MINISTER for Immigration and Boarder Security, Hon. John Rosso has announced the availability of six visa type under the Entertainer Visa class.
He said these visa classes are now available on the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (PNGICSA) website (www.ica.gov.pg) for the convenience of International Artists, film makers, comedians, musicians and cultural groups.
“The inclusion of six different visa classes under the entertainer visa type would mean artist who wants to come to PNG for entertainment-related purposes can now apply online instead of the traditional paper lodgment,” Minister Rosso said.
“The previous process required the entertainers to physically lodge their application at a PNG Diplomatic Mission.
“This was not suitable considering PNG does not have diplomatic representation in all countries that entertainers are often on tour and in countries which might have missions only a night or two, and finding a time to submit applications in that manner was impractical.”
The visa classes available and accessible online including Film Maker (both commercial and non-commercial), Comedian (commercial), Musician (commercial), Gospel Group (charity) and Cultural Group (charity).
Minister Rosso said that the new government would allow PNG to bring in world class artists as well as develop local talent, and promote the entertainment industry.
He said each of the visa types has a migration service fee attached and holders are eligible for extensions.
Specific fees for new lodgments and extensions are available on the website.
“The Government is advocating digital transformation and I support PNGICSA’s effort to digitize its services to ensure our visitors have access to apply for visas from their homes and travel to PNG without any unnecessary delays,” he said.
Minister Rosso also stated that progress is being made to introduce other visa types and categories online and that ICSA currently have over 13 visa classes now available online.
