14/08/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14 August 2025
Australia Must Ease Visa Hurdles for PNG Athletes, Says Nandex
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea — Stanley Nandex, President of the Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF) and former world champion, has called on the Australian Government to urgently review its strict visa requirements for Papua New Guinean athletes.
The appeal comes after several PNG fighters were denied visas in July despite receiving formal invitations from Australian event organisers. Nandex argued that athletes should be assessed under a separate, sports-specific visa arrangement, highlighting the PNGKBF’s 25-year record of sending fighters to Australia without any incident.
“The current requirement for athletes to have a personal bank balance of K6,000 is unrealistic,” Nandex said. “Most of our fighters come from disadvantaged backgrounds, with limited education and no formal employment. This policy effectively shuts them out of international opportunities.”
Nandex further questioned the value of the Australia–PNG partnership, particularly as the two nations mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. He stressed that sports should be recognised as a vital avenue for youth development and cultural exchange.
The PNGKBF is currently preparing a five-member team for a major international bout at Dreamworld, Gold Coast, on 30 August 2025. Event promoters have committed to covering all travel, accommodation, meals, and medical expenses for the fighters. However, Nandex fears that stringent visa rules could still prevent the team from competing.
He has urged both the PNG and Australian authorities to remove or relax financial requirements for sportspeople, stating:
“After 50 years, it’s time to remove these unnecessary barriers so we can strengthen sports exchanges and create more opportunities for our youth.”
Approved For Release,
Stanley Hanku Nandex
Founding President, PNG Kickboxing Federation
