Expat Advice: Working in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Port Moresby

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Main industries are, Mining, LNG, Coffee, Cocoa. High level Managerial Positions, Structural and Civil Engineering, Medical specialists.

What type of work do you do and how did you find your job?

In 1987, I read an advertisement in Sri Lanka daily News Paper, I applied for the Company Accountant job and I was selected.

How did you obtain your work permit? What advice would you have for others about work permits?

Employer must have a expatriate position in the organisation and approved by the Labour and Employment Department in Papua New Guinea

The employer must advertise for the vacant position in the local news papers. If the employer do not find a suitable candidate locally,then the employer could recruit a foreign national for the position. Getting a foreigner work permit is the employer's responsibility. Foreign professional must qualify or get a membership of the respective professional body in Papua New Guinea.

Have you taken language and cross-cultural training courses to prepare for your assignment? If so, how have they helped you on the job?

In Papua New Guinea the native people speak Pegion but official language being English, I did not have to attend any Pegion language course. Also Pegion is very much similar to English, I managed to speak Pegion.

If you were transferred abroad by your employer, were you guaranteed a job upon repatriation? What type of mentoring programs does your employer offer?

In Papua New Guinea work permits are being issued to train national employees. Expatriates are expected to train National Employees and smooth transition of the expatriate position to a National Employee. Expatriate employee usually get three months salary in lieu of a job, if the services are terminated before the contract term.

What advice would you offer others about finding jobs and working abroad?

Apply for the foreign jobs and most importantly follow the correct recruitment procedures and obey the laws. Respect the foreign land, the people and their culture. Stay in safe suitable location, do not go to unknown places. Stay calm do not retaliate in case if you are surrounded by criminal gangs.