Papua New Guinea (PNG) marked recently marked a milestone in border modernization with the official launch of the PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC) and the establishment of the Immigration Operations Command Center (IOCC).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Immigration and Border Security John Rosso, who was unable to attend the launch in Port Moresby, due to him attending funeral proceedings of the late Governor for Morobe, Luther Wenge, explained that the PNGDAC and IOCC initiatives form Phase 1 of the Pre-Advance Passenger Information (iAPI) Project.

This is a key part of the PNG e-Border Solution Project led by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (ICSA).

“The PNGDAC replaces the old paper arrival card with a secure, online platform.”

“From now onwards, passengers travelling to PNG can conveniently complete their arrival card digitally in 72 hours prior to boarding, making travel easier, while also giving our border agencies faster access to accurate passenger information.”

The IOCC will act as the central hub for immigration intelligence and risk assessments, receiving and analyzing passenger information in real time.

It is designed to meet international standards, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and International Air Transport Association (IATA) protocols, ensuring PNG’s border systems are future-ready and globally aligned.

“For the first time, Immigration, Customs, and the National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority, are fully integrated into one information system, allowing a whole of-government approach to secure borders, faster processing, and smarter facilitation of trade and travel.”

“This is more than just a technological upgrade; it is a national security priority.”

“By modernizing our border security systems, the PNG government is protecting our people, strengthening trade and tourism, and ensuring that PNG remains connected to the world in a safe and secure way.”

Furthermore, he commended the Chief Migration Officer Wellington Navasivu, and his team for their tireless work in delivering this reform, and the Deputy Chief Migration Officer for Visa, Passport and Work Permit, Clarence Parisau, for launching the initiatives.

He now looks forward to Phase 2 of the project, which will expand these capabilities even further with full interactive passenger data feeds from all airlines and sea vessels.