Papua New Guinea’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Immigration and Border Security, Hon. John Rosso, has praised the nation’s electronic visa (eVisa) platform for its outstanding performance following the integration of an artificial intelligence (AI) analysis engine. He hailed the development as “a major breakthrough in both efficiency and security, setting a benchmark for digital transformation among regional governments.”
The AI-powered system was jointly developed by a local PNG-based tech company and the Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority (ICSA), specifically to process low-risk, short-term visa applications by automating document verification and compliance checks. Since its official launch three months ago, the system has processed more than 40,000 applications—far exceeding initial projections.
“This system has significantly outperformed our expectations, dramatically improving the speed and accuracy of visa processing and demonstrating its potential for broader application,” said Deputy Prime Minister Rosso.
The AI module, built on advanced algorithms, can automatically analyze submitted documents within seconds and intelligently compare them against PNG’s immigration regulations. It detects potential issues in real time, substantially reducing the wait time for applicants. Data shows that over 95% of visa applications are now processed within two minutes, compared to the previous average of more than two weeks.
Looking ahead, Rosso revealed that the government plans to expand the AI system to cover work visas and employment permit applications by the end of July. There are also plans to explore similar AI-driven technologies for passport issuance to further enhance efficiency and transparency.
The ICSA is also actively working to upgrade the country’s border management system, aiming to integrate arrival monitoring and risk alert features. These upgrades will improve the detection and tracking of illegal entries and undesirable individuals, strengthening the nation’s border security.
“Many countries have adopted similar systems, but ours has been uniquely trained and customized based on Papua New Guinea’s specific regulatory and operational needs. This makes it the first of its kind to achieve practical AI deployment among Pacific island nations—a true milestone,” Rosso said.
He noted that the successful implementation of the AI system has not only lowered barriers for legitimate travelers, enhancing PNG’s appeal in tourism and business, but has also significantly reinforced national border security.
“We are streamlining services for lawful visitors while simultaneously creating a powerful deterrent against illegal activity,” he added.
Deputy Prime Minister Rosso concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding the use of digital technology in public administration. He emphasized the goals of boosting efficiency, transparency, and security as Papua New Guinea aims to become a leader in digital governance across the South Pacific region.
