PM Marape’s UAE Visit Yields Historic Visa Waiver Deal, Boosting PNG’s Global Engagement
From left: PNG Prime Minister Hon. James Marape signs Bilateral Agreement with UAE Officials:
which will effect
PNG and UAE elevate Bilateral-Relations with a landmark Visa Waiver Agreement
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has clinched a landmark agreement with the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that promises to strengthen diplomatic ties and widen opportunities for trade, tourism and people-to-people links between the two nations.
Signed on 4 February 2026 on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai, the Mutual Exemption of Entry Visa Requirements Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough for Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Under the new arrangement, Papua New Guinean passport holders — including those with ordinary, official and diplomatic passports — will be able to travel to the UAE without pre-arranged visas for stays of up to 30 days, enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. In return, citizens of the UAE will receive the same entry privileges when visiting PNG.
Speaking after the signing, PM Marape said the agreement reflects Papua New Guinea’s growing international confidence and the Government’s determination to deepen practical cooperation with dynamic global partners.
“This Agreement is a clear signal that Papua New Guinea is open, ready and confident to engage the world,” Mr Marape said, highlighting that easier mobility will help drive tourism, investment and business exchanges between PNG and the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.
He noted that the visa waiver will strengthen PNG’s Economic Reset strategy, positioning the country as an emerging destination for travellers and investors as it moves beyond its 50th year of nationhood.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the strategic value of enhanced connectivity with global hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, pointing out that closer ties with the UAE — a major international aviation, logistics and finance centre — could open doors for PNG producers and exporters in sectors like agriculture, fisheries, energy and downstream processing.
Mr Marape expressed appreciation to the UAE Government for its partnership and the collaborative efforts of officials from both countries in concluding the agreement.
The visa waiver deal is expected to catalyse new commercial and cultural links, laying a foundation for future cooperation and more robust bilateral engagement between Papua New Guinea and the UAE.
About the Author:
Publisher- Christina Kewa-Swarbrick has over 20 years experience in the Media Industry and over 10 Years in Prophetic Engineering. She's a Holistic Life Solutions Coach, who combines her lived knowledge and experiences and her professional industry knowldege to help others. She's the founder of VISION4040 (PNG) and DBUM Bible Technology, a spiritual mapping system unlocking destiny blueprints . To engage her professional services go to this link: cks.vision4040.com
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