Unemployment in PNG A Worsening Crisis

Papua New Guinea (PNG), a nation known for its rich natural resources, is facing a pressing problem: unemployment. Nipa-Kutubu MP Dr. Billy Joseph recently brought attention to the alarming rate of joblessness in the country during a parliamentary debate. He expressed concern over job security, particularly regarding work that foreigners are undertaking, which could easily be performed by PNG nationals. 

This article critically analyses the parliamentary debate on the unemployment issue and provides productive feedback, emphasising the need for immediate action.

The Unemployment Crisis in PNG

The lack of sufficient job opportunities has become a severe crisis in PNG. With a growing population and a high rate of youth unemployment, the country is grappling with significant socio-economic challenges. 

Job scarcity not only affects the livelihoods of individuals but also hinders the overall development and progress of the nation.

Government's Strategy and Response

In response to Dr. Billy Joseph's concerns, the Minister for Labour & Employment Kessy Sawang, asserted that the government is actively addressing the unemployment issue.

The government's primary strategy involves creating jobs through the construction of upcoming infrastructure and projects in the mineral resource sector. These initiatives aim to stimulate economic growth and boost employment prospects.

The government's ambitious plan to create a million jobs by 2027 sounds promising, but its execution and effectiveness need closer examination. While such plans can be visionary, they must be accompanied by practical steps and careful consideration of the sectors in which job creation is most feasible.

Foreign Workers in PNG

A significant concern raised during the parliamentary debate was the presence of foreign workers occupying jobs that could be done by PNG nationals. 

Approximately 41,000 jobs are reportedly held by foreigners, limiting employment opportunities for locals. 

The government must ensure that PNG citizens have access to job opportunities within their own country.

Productive Feedback and Immediate Actions Needed

While the government's commitment to job creation is commendable, more concrete and targeted measures are required to tackle the unemployment crisis effectively. 

Here are some productive feedback and immediate actions that should be considered:

1. Skill Development and Training Programs: The government should invest in skill development and training programs to enhance the employability of PNG nationals. By aligning training with the needs of various industries, individuals can acquire the skills demanded in the job market.

2. Promote Local Entrepreneurship: Supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses can generate employment opportunities. The government should create an enabling environment for startups and provide them with the necessary support, such as access to funding and business mentorship. The concept used Women in Business in PNG concept and National Development Bank (NDB) can be adopted in this situation to make it work for the Youth and Unemployed.

3. Review Foreign Worker Policies: The government needs to review its policies on foreign workers to strike a balance between providing opportunities for skilled migrants and safeguarding the interests of PNG citizens

4. Invest in Key Sectors: Identifying key sectors with high growth potential and directing resources toward them can boost job creation. Industries like agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy hold immense potential for employment generation.

5. Encourage Private Sector Participation: The government should work in collaboration with the private sector to foster job growth. Incentives for businesses that create employment opportunities for PNG citizens can be beneficial.

6. Revamp Infrastructure Development: Expedite infrastructure projects to create immediate job opportunities. Such projects not only generate employment during construction but also contribute to the nation's long-term development.

Unemployment: The Government's Inaction

Unemployment is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention from the PNG government.  While the government's commitment to creating a million jobs by 2027 is promising, it must be accompanied by practical strategies, investments in skill development, and a focus on key sectors. 

Measures to address foreign worker policies and promote local entrepreneurship can play a vital role in tackling the unemployment issue effectively. 

The PNG government can take significant strides towards alleviating unemployment and fostering sustainable economic growth for the people IF IT STARTS TAKING THE BULL BY THE HORN, NOW!

EU Visa Processing for PNG Citizens to be Available in Port Moresby

In a recent visit to the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and the European Union (EU) in Brussels in November, Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, Rimbink Pato, announced that EU visa processing for Papua New Guinea (PNG) citizens will soon be available in Port Moresby. 

This development has been eagerly anticipated by PNG's exporters, importers, and citizens, as it eliminates the need to travel to other countries, such as Singapore, Manila, or Australia, at great expense to obtain their visas.

National Newspaper 01 November 2018

EU visas for PNG citizens

The National Newspaper reported on November 1, 2018, that a key outcome of the visit was the agreement to process EU visas for PNG citizens in Port Moresby by mid-2019. 

As the middle of 2019 approaches, many people are eagerly awaiting an update on the progress of this promise.

This development is significant as it will make it more convenient and cost-effective for PNG citizens to obtain visas for travel to European countries. 

Visa for European countries

Currently, obtaining a visa for European countries requires travel to other countries where EU visa processing centres are located. This can be time-consuming and costly for PNG citizens, who have to bear the expenses of travel, accommodation, and other associated costs. 

By having EU visa processing available in Port Moresby, PNG citizens will be able to save both time and money, making travel to Europe more accessible and convenient.

EU visa processing in Port Moresby

The availability of EU visa processing in Port Moresby is expected to have a positive impact on PNG's exporters and importers as well. 

Many PNG businesses engage in trade with European countries, and obtaining visas for business purposes can be a cumbersome process. 

With EU visa processing available locally, businesses can expect reduced administrative burdens and costs associated with obtaining visas, which could potentially boost trade between PNG and European countries.

Strengthen diplomatic relations - EU and PNG

It is worth noting that the implementation of EU visa processing in Port Moresby is part of the broader efforts by the PNG government to strengthen diplomatic relations and promote trade and tourism with European countries. 

The government's efforts in this regard are aimed at fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities, and improving the livelihoods of PNG citizens.

As the mid-2019 deadline approaches, PNG citizens, businesses, and stakeholders are eagerly anticipating the availability of EU visa processing in Port Moresby. 

Once implemented, this development is expected to bring about greater convenience and cost savings for PNG citizens, as well as support increased trade and tourism between PNG and Europe.

PNG Work Permit One Entry, One Work Permit, One Job

The Government plans to review the work permits of all expatriates to ensure conditions have not been breached, and rules on the issuing of new ones will be stricter.

Labour and Industrial Relations Minister Mehrra Kipefa told The National that the department would implement a new policy from next year to tighten the issuing of work permits. A policy paper on it is currently before the National Executive Council.

“Our new policy starting next year will be one entry, one job,” Kipefa said.

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“We will review all work permits issued to expatriates to ensure they have only one job for which they were issued work or entry permit to work in the country.”

He said there had been some instances where some expats were granted a permit to do a certain job but then did other jobs.

“Those who are found to be doing such will have to be disciplined, including cancelling their work permits and having them repatriated back to their home country,” Kipefa said.

Kipefa said there were a lot of things to be fixed and he would seek the support of fellow ministers and state agencies to get things fixed.

 “We also have a lot of technical people coming into the country and doing jobs which our own people have the knowledge and the skills to do, and can competently perform,” he said.

“That is another issue I will be addressing.

“We will only issue work permits and recruit expatriates on jobs that Papua New Guineans are not able to perform.

“And these expatriates will be required to also train Papua New Guineans when they are employed here.”

Kipefa said jobs that Papua New Guineans could perform must be given to them.

“We will classify certain jobs, especially technical and skilled jobs only for our citizens,” he said.

“That is what I will be driving and we are looking at bringing the National Apprentice and Trade Test to the provinces and the districts.

“We have started with Mingende in Chimbu by launching a Trade Testing Centre for carpentry at the Saint Mary’s Technical School last week.

“And based on the success, we are looking at accrediting trade tests for other technical courses like mechanical, electrical, welding and plumbing.”

Kipefa said the policy on “one entry or work permit, one job” was expected to be tabled during the first sitting of Parliament next year.

“I am looking forward to giving a ministerial statement in Parliament on the policy and to commence the implementation,” Kipefa said.

The National