Pacific

PNG Chamber of Commerce calls for Foreign Ministry overhaul

17:00 pm on 19 November 2003

Papua New Guinea's Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for a complete overhaul of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Immigration to avoid future scams.

The Chamber president Michael Mayberry made the call in commending Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu for taking action over the scam involving the issue of entry permits and PNG passports to foreigners.

Mr Mayberry said if the reports are true it is a damning indictment of the ministry.

He pointed to a recent break-in at the Ministry when a computer with passports data and entry permits was removed as confirmation some staff are involved in the scam.

The National newspaper reports Mr Mayberry saying the Chamber believes that sacking the officers concerned is not a good enough deterrent, and that criminal prosecutions would be more effective.