Saw the item below on PACNEWS and wish to share it with you for discussions..
PNG PM threatens to scrap visa on arrival rights for Australian travelers
PORT MORESBY (Papua New Guinea), November 17, 2-13:
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has threatened to withdraw the visa on arrival arrangements it has with Australia, unless visa rights are reciprocated.
Speaking in parliament, O’Neill said he is disappointed with how long it takes for Papua New Guineans to get an Australian visa.
He says he is also upset with reports about inconvenient questions being asked by the Australian High Commission during the application process.
“This visa on arrival business for all Australians will be withdrawn by the following year if we don't get a similar arrangement with them,” O'Neill said.
“They all can go and apply for a visa in Australia so that they can come.
“We don't want to inconvenience the travelling public, but on principle sometimes these decisions have to be taken.”
O'Neill was responding to questions from John Hickey, the MP for Bogia District in PNG's Madang province, said Israel has agreed to give PNG citizens visiting the Holy Land visas on arrival.
In May r O'Neill told then-prime minister Julia Gillard that easier visa access for his citizens will go a long way in improving relations between PNG and Australia.--RADIO AUSTRALIA/PACNEWS
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