For the occasion, 28 are from Australia, two are from New Zealand, one is from the United States and one from Fiji.
“They are either married to Papua New Guineans, invested and built their businesses in the country, or have worked and lived in the country like their home,” Minister for Immigration and Border Security Petrus Thomas said.
“We also have 17 former PNG citizens who resumed their PNG citizenship to reconnect to their people and country, 11 long-term residents and four are now citizens by descent.” Mr Thomas has also congratulated those who followed their parents and siblings footstep to “complete the missing link”, adding that “this has been your country and we are proud to formally welcome you to reconnect to your heritage.
“So we have a mix of people with different backgrounds, experiences and whose story sums up the spirit of this process.”
The process, says Mr Thomas, came from the government which in 2012 created a number of pathways to help people qualify for citizenship and dual citizenship through descent, marriage, long-term residency, investor, sports person and for Papua New Guineans losing citizenship to regain PNG citizenship.
Lewah Kanah, 30, is thankful to have received dual citizenship for both Australia and PNG, “My parents are born Papua New Guinean but I’m so grateful to be part of two great nations…and still be able to live in a country where my heart is.
“This year we have set a milestone in the history of the country to be able to process and award citizenship to a record number of 195 people.
“This includes 64 dual citizens, 16 naturalized citizens and 115 West Papuans,” Mr Thomas said adding that the recipients deserved to be recognised for their contribution and love for PNG.
“You are a special group and you should be proud of yourself.”
The ceremony yesterday is the third for dual citizenship of which there is 32 people and fourth for naturalized of which there are nine recipients.
Source: Post Courier newspaper
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