protocol division

PROTOCOL DIVISION

The Division takes care of all State Protocol, Diplomatic and Consular functions. It administers a number of Acts that include the PNG Diplomatic and Consular Privileges and Immunities Act of 1975, Chapter 83; the United Nations and Specialized Agencies (Privileges and Immunities) Act, No. 10 of 1977; and other similar agreements between PNG and a country or international organization. The Division has four (4) branches having the following functional responsibilities:

Visits and Accreditation Branch

The branch is responsible for receiving and processing requests for accreditation for the Heads of Mission (HOMs) from both PNG and foreign countries. It is responsible for preparing all relevant documentation for accreditation. This includes Letters of Credence and Introduction for the PNG HOMs with other countries; and Commissions and Exequaturs for PNG Consuls, and Honorary Consuls abroad. It prepares and seeks Agreements from host Governments for the newly appointed PNG HOMs. For newly appointed HOMs from other countries or organizations to PNG, the branch works alongside the Office of the Governor-General on the Presentation of Credentials from these HOMs, both resident and non-resident, to the Governor-General.

It liaises with different government organizations and as necessary with the Office of the Governor-General; Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Chief Justice, Speaker of the National Parliament, as well as other Government Ministers for appointments for meetings or courtesy calls requested by foreign HOMs or organizations or visiting Heads of State or Government and distinguished State dignitaries. It assists to facilitate travel and logistical support for visiting foreign HOMs or dignitaries for visits and travel within PNG; organizes commissioning of the appointed PNG HOMs and Posts prior to assuming their postings, and other ceremonies and events such as National Days and official receptions.

In carrying out its duties, the branch works closely with government agencies, including the Government House; Prime Minister’s Department; PNG Defence Force; National Security Unit (NSU) of the Royal PNG Constabulary; and National Intelligence Organization (NIO) to provide close protection to visiting Heads of Government or State and VIP dignitaries.

Privileges and Immunities Branch

The branch is responsible for the administration of three (3) key Acts of the Division; the Diplomatic and Consular Privileges and Immunities Act of 1975; the United Nations and Specialized Agencies (Privileges and Immunities) Act of 1977; and the Designated Aid Status Act of 1977.

These Acts provide the national legal basis for the Department to asses and either endorse or reject certain privileges and immunities requested by serving diplomats or personnel of international organizations and bilateral and multilateral donor partners, and Diplomatic Missions, Consulates and Consuls. This includes exemption from taxes and other forms of customs and excise duties on personal effects; motor vehicles; issuance of driving licenses; diplomatic registration of vehicles; and other privileges and immunities under the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations and Consular Relations respectively.

The branch also deals with matters relating to the Designated Aid Status Act to assess and determine the credentials of aid and other humanitarian organizations seeking designated aid status in PNG for work they do in the donor space and in supporting the development of PNG in key development and socio-economic sectors.

Consular Affairs Branch

The Branch is responsible for compiling the Diplomatic and Non-Diplomatic Directories; and Honorary Consuls Directories in PNG and overseas. It facilitates issuance of Diplomatic and Official passports for Government Officials travelling abroad on official Government meetings and conferences upon request. It issues Consular Certificates for diplomatic goods and other items for duty exemptions; processes all applications for the issuance and extension of entry permits for personnel of diplomatic, consular, international organizations and aid agencies.

It mediates on complaints or issues raised by the public or private citizens, and the private sector against diplomats, consuls, honorary consuls and international organizations or its staff, and vice-versa against PNG citizens and the public. It extends consular assistance and provides physical protection of resident HOMs, diplomatic compounds and properties; and diplomatic personnel. It performs notary functions, authentication of marriage, births and death certificates.

Diplomatic Engagements Branch

The Branch is responsible for conferences, events and ceremonies within and outside of the country. The branch represents PNG at the National Day functions hosted by resident Diplomatic Missions. IIn addition, it is responsible for liaising and coordinating with the Royal Papua New Guinea Police Constabulary’s Diplomatic Protection Unit to provide security during the diplomatic functions, conferences and ceremonies. The Branch also works with other stakeholders to coordinate events and engagements involving high level officials of the country, region and the international community.

Postal Address:

P.O Box 422, Waigani,
National Capital District (NCD)
Papua New Guinea (PNG)

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