PNG gives visas and jobs to asylum seekers

Some asylum seekers held on Manus Island will be given Papua New Guinea visas while the nation re-thinks its resettlement policy.

PNG's National Executive Council (NEC), a cabinet-like body, has given approval for Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato to make final decisions on the refugee status of asylum seekers at Manus.

Asylum seekers on Manus whose claims have been processed will be given visas and moved to another facility on the island, Mr Pato says.

"While this policy is being re-developed, genuine refugees will be given visas and moved from the Manus Regional Processing Centre to a new, purpose built facility in East Lorengau (in the Manus capital)," Mr Pato said in a statement today.

"All non-refugees will be required to leave PNG - either voluntarily or through deportation."

Those granted refugee status will be given training in English, Tok Pisin and PNG culture.

Mr Pato says businesses in the nation are crying out for skilled workers - something asylum seekers can provide.

"If provinces outside of Manus tell us they need skilled workers to help their local economies, then we will support refugees to fill those jobs while we are awaiting the policy," he said.

In mid-October, PNG Prime Minister O'Neill threw expectations of a resettlement timetable into disarray when he called for a new policy to be prepared with the aim of building public support for the scheme.

The new policy would be considered by the NEC only after a comprehensive public awareness and consultation campaign was completed, Mr O'Neill said at the time.

In his statement, Mr Pato also said all West Papuan refugees who fled Indonesian rule over the border would be assisted over the next 12 months to apply for citizenship and naturalisation.

Many West Papuans have lived in PNG for decades, but have no identity documents or work rights.

"All West Papuan refugees will be issued a PNG passport or certificate of identity," Mr Pato said.