Guides · Papua New Guinea

Work permit renewal in Papua New Guinea

Written from published rules on 27 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Department of Labour and Industrial Relations (DLIR).

Renewing a work permit in Papua New Guinea generally involves submitting an application to the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations before the current permit expires, alongside required documentation and fees. The process ensures continued authorization for employment in the country.

Your timing

It is advisable for individuals to begin the work permit renewal process several months before their current permit's expiry date. This allows ample time for collecting all necessary documents, submitting the application, and accounting for potential processing delays or requests for additional information from the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations.

Start 90 days ahead

This lead time accounts for preparing all required documents, submitting the application, and allowing for processing times by the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations, which can vary.

The process

  1. 1Confirm the expiry date of the current work permit and note the renewal deadline.
  2. 2Obtain the official work permit renewal application form from the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations website or office.
  3. 3Complete the renewal application form accurately, ensuring all sections are filled out.
  4. 4Gather all supporting documents required for the renewal, including copies of the current permit, passport, and any updated employment details.
  5. 5Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents to the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations.
  6. 6Pay the applicable renewal fee as instructed by the Department.

What to bring

  • Completed Work Permit Renewal Application Form
  • Copy of current work permit
  • Copy of passport (biodata page and current visa/entry permit)
  • Employment contract or letter of offer (if updated or required)
  • Company registration documents (for employer, if required)
  • Evidence of qualifications (if required or updated)
  • Police clearance certificate (if required by DLIR for renewal)
  • Any other documents specifically requested by the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations

Who handles it

Department of Labour and Industrial Relations (DLIR)

https://www.labor.gov.pg/

Work permit renewal fees are subject to change and should be confirmed directly with the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations. The fee structure typically depends on the permit's duration and the type of employment.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Submitting an incomplete application, which can lead to delays or rejection.
  • Failing to apply for renewal before the current permit expires, which may incur penalties or require a new application process.
  • Providing outdated or incorrect information in the application or supporting documents.
  • Not checking for any changes in renewal requirements or fees that may have occurred since the last application.

Sources

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