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PNG PM SEEKS AUSSIE VISA OVERHAUL


The PNG prime minister wants a reduction in the paperwork his people face trying to visit Australia.
AAP ©Enlarge photo
    The Papua New Guinea prime minister wants a reduction in the mountain of paperwork his people face when they try to visit Australia.
    PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has flagged easier visa access will be on the agenda when Prime Minister Julia Gillard visits Port Moresby later this month.
    "There's unnecessary questions of individuals' ability to look after themselves when they get to Australia," Mr O'Neill told ABC radio on Friday.
    "There's unnecessary questions about individual integrity and personal information."
    He wants Australia to offer the same visa arrangements as it does to New Zealand citizens.
    "Papua New Guinea is a former colony of Australia, New Zealand is not but they seem to have better access to Australia than our citizens," Mr O'Neill said.
    "It's grossly unfair."
    He said it's a pity increasing numbers of people from PNG are turning to Asia for their medical and education needs rather than Australia which can be reached within two hours.

    AAP
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