Things To Do Before Coming To Work In PNG?

I got a twitter direct message from a follower in Indonesia who intends to work in PNG.  From his twitter bio he is an engineer by profession.  He basically wanted to know what he should do. 

I thought it was a good question to answer on PNG Informedia in light of the PNG LNG Project which will see many specialists from different fields, from all over the world, coming to work on the PNG LNG Project during its construction phase.

The number of workers during the construction phase of the PNG LNG project alone is estimated to be around 7000 plus.  Other industries apart from those directly related to the LNG Project will definitely see a need for specialist workers too. 

So as a non-citizen specialist planning to work in PNG, I would say the first thing to do is to secure some form of employment in PNG.  Obviously it would be a waste of your time and your money coming to PNG, without a job or some form of regular income.  Unless of course you have heard so much about PNG and you just want to visit for holidays and probably at the same time source out any job opportunities for the kind of specialty you may have. 

Securing a job for the kind of skill you have on a contract or permanent basis ensures you a peace of mind while staying in PNG.  Once you have secured a job in PNG, it would then be in the best interest of your prospective employer to make your transition into PNG and thus your employment in their organization, is smooth.  One of the most important thing your prospective employer would ensure is that your PNG work permit is in order. 

If you are a globe trotting specialists you would probably have experienced this where every thing is done for you by the organisation employing you. All you simply do is pack your bags, grab your passport,visas, your wallet, cash, credit cards, travelers check; etc and take the next flight to where ever your skill is needed.

Other things you should do before coming to work in PNG include:

• Ensure that your passport is current (obviously).  You can not enter through PNG customs without a valid passport.
• Apply for the right type of visa that is applicable for the purpose of your visit to PNG.  You may seek more clarification about PNG visas  at your local immigration office, at your embassy in PNG and also with your prospective employer or log onto the PNG Immigration website for more information.
• Get proper medical check up in your country before leaving. You don’t want to come to PNG and for some reason you find out that your health is at risk.  PNG is not the kind of place you want to be falling ill. Trust me.
• Find out how to register your company in PNG in cases where you will be employed on a contract and for tax purposes you would rather be paid through your own company.
• Check out possible places for accommodation.  Once you have secured a job in PNG enquire with your prospective employer about where you will be residing for the duration of your employ.  There are several places you can look up online for PNG accommodation .  Mind you real estate is an unregulated industry in PNG at this moment and the rental fares are quite high especially for expatriate workers.  Most expatriate contract employees are usually taken good care in terms of accommodation in PNG.
• Socialise on Facebook or Twitter (two famous ones) and make friends with PNG folks or with other specialists who have been to PNG.  I thought I should add this one because you can a  learn lot these days about what to expect in PNG, about it popular dine outs and clubs or dance venues, best holiday spots; etc on online social networks. Online Social networks are becoming a big hit in PNG thanks to the opening up of the PNG telecommunication industry.  You will find many PNG folks are now updating their social network profiles via their mobile phones.

Well there you have it, some of the things you can do before coming to work in PNG.  It may not be conclusive but I hope it guides you in the right path.