Australia considers more visa options for Papua New Guineans

Australia is open to further discussions on easing visa arrangements for Papua New Guineans, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said after the Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum in Port Moresby on 21 October 2026. A new visa for Papua New Guineans to attend rugby league matches in Australia is also planned to start in 2028.

Key facts

• Australia says it is willing to consider additional visa options for Papua New Guineans
• A 12-month, multiple-entry visa for National Rugby League (NRL) matches is planned from 2028
• Stays of up to 30 days per visit, with a fee of Kina 75 (US$17)
• The visa would not permit employment
• Papua New Guinea has the largest cohort of Pacific Engagement Visas of any Pacific country

What visa arrangements already exist?

Wong said Australia had already introduced visa measures specifically for Papua New Guineans. These include arrangements linked to the National Rugby League (NRL), a mobile application to simplify immigration processes, and the Pacific Engagement Visa programme (PEV).

She said Papua New Guinea has the largest cohort of Pacific Engagement Visas provided to it of any country in the Pacific. Successful applicants under the Pacific Engagement Visa get access to Medicare and education from arrival, she said.

What is the new rugby league visa?

PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko said a new arrangement would allow Papua New Guineans to apply for a 12-month, multiple-entry visa from 2028 to attend NRL matches in Australia. Stays would be limited to up to 30 days per visit, with a fee of Kina 75 (US$17).

The visa would not permit employment, Tkatchenko said, adding that it was intended to make it easier for Papua New Guineans to travel to Australia for rugby league. He said the initiative was expected to benefit thousands of Papua New Guineans who wanted to travel to watch matches.

Why is broader visa access not moving faster?

Tkatchenko acknowledged that problems with PNG's national identification and birth registration systems remained an obstacle to broader visa access. He said PNG needed to address weaknesses in its documentation systems to build Australia's confidence in the identity papers submitted by visa applicants.

Wong said any changes to visa arrangements would need to be consistent with Australia's broader immigration principles. She said Australia was open to the further discussion that PNG had requested.

What else was agreed at the forum?

The two governments also discussed expanding opportunities under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme and providing additional Pacific Engagement Visa places for PNG citizens seeking opportunities in Australia. Wong announced a new 10-year primary healthcare programme for Papua New Guinea and an additional AUD$1 million (US$700,000) for the nationwide rollout of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles announced an AUD$110 million (US$77.15 million) investment in infrastructure for the PNG Defence Force and a new recruitment pathway for Papua New Guineans to join the Australian Defence Force, with applications opening on 16 November.

What this means for travellers

Papua New Guineans planning to travel to Australia for rugby league can expect a dedicated multiple-entry visa option from 2028, with stays of up to 30 days per visit and no permission to work. Those interested in the Pacific Engagement Visa or labour mobility schemes should note that the two governments discussed expanding places under these programmes, though no numbers or dates were given.

Any further easing of visa arrangements remains under discussion, with both governments saying implementation will require action on identity documentation as well as continued talks.