DEPUTY Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso, has announced a significant advancement in Papua New Guinea’s visa processing capabilities, with the introduction of state-of-the-art technology that has reduced processing times and strengthened border security.
The MyICSA Analysis Engine (MAE), now fully integrated with the Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority’s (ICSA) eVisa platform, has transformed what was once a lengthy, manual process into an efficient, automated system that benefits both travellers and immigration officers.
“This technology represents a major step forward for our immigration services,” Rosso said.
“Valid applications that previously took hours, days, or weeks to process, are now approved in minutes, while our officers can focus their attention on applications that require deeper analysis or have missing documents,” he added.
The implementation of the MAE system brings numerous advantages to PNG’s immigration process:
- Travellers with straightforward applications receive quick responses, allowing them to plan their visits with greater certainty.
- Immigration officers can direct their expertise to cases requiring careful judgement and consideration.
- Document validation occurs with consistent standards, applied across all applications.
- The system operates 24 hours a day, allowing processing to continue outside of normal office hours.
- Applications with missing or incorrect information are identified immediately, reducing time wasted on incomplete or erroneous applications.
- Real-time data processing will enhance ICSA’s capability to quickly detect fraudulent cases.
- More quicker turnaround time in processing.
“These improvements change how we deliver our services,” Clarence Parisau, the Deputy Chief Migration Officer for the Visa and Passport Division said.
“Our officers can now concentrate on the aspects of visa assessment that truly benefit from human insight and experience, while the technology handles routine verification tasks.
“This makes better use of our team’s capabilities and ultimately provides a more effective service for everyone engaging with our immigration system.”
The improved visa processing creates positive ripple effects. Business travellers can confirm travel plans more quickly, facilitating trade and investment; tourism operators can provide visitors with greater certainty about entry approvals; and government resources are directed more efficiently, reducing administrative burden.
“We understand there are existing delays with work permits and longer-term visas,” Minister Rosso said.
“With the success we’ve seen in short-term visas, we’re now working toward the deployment of this technology for those categories as well.”
ICSA maintains a high standard of confidentiality with all third-party information.
Mr. Parisau acknowledged the contributions of the ICSA Information and Technology (IT) Branch and specialist domestic service providers in developing the MAE, noting that their ongoing collaboration is vital for maintaining the system’s reliability and effectiveness.
Rosso, who is also responsible for the Ministry of Immigration and Border Security, commended the Chief Migration Officer Wellington Navasivu, Mr. Parisau, ICSA IT staff, and the partner service providers, for this technology and achievement.
“This initiative demonstrates how thoughtfully applied technology can enhance government services, and this was developed locally.
“ICSA is leading public sector innovation in Papua New Guinea, showing how artificial intelligence and modern technology can be harnessed responsibly to deliver real-world benefits.
“We’re not just making things faster, we’re creating a more secure, fair and efficient immigration system that better serves everyone,” Rosso said.
