New queue line for Nauru passport holders arriving into Brisbane airport
The Nauru government has made
further progress in air travel arrangements between Nauru and
Australia, with the latest development allowing Nauru passport
holders arriving into Brisbane International airport to use the
queues at passport control for Australian, New Zealand and Papua
New Guinea (PNG) passport holders.
The new arrangement commences today
(Monday, 24 February).
His Excellency President Baron Waqa
is pleased that this advancement in air travel arrangements comes
shortly after the streamlining of visa application processes for
Nauruans.
"During my meeting with Prime
Minister Tony Abbott on the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka in November 2013, it was
agreed that Nauru passport holders arriving into Brisbane
International Airport should no longer have to wait in the normal
queue but instead use the express entry lane for Australia, New
Zealand and Papua New Guinea passport holders," President Waqa
said.
The Australian Department of
Foreign Affairs made the announcement last week formalising the new
arrangements.
"On behalf of the people of Nauru
and my own behalf I wish to convey my sincere gratitude to
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott for his commitments and
continuous support to Nauru," President Waqa said.
New signage and banners will be
installed at Brisbane airport to guide Nauru passport holders to
the correct queue. Signs with the Nauru flag will also be
installed.