Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Tonga’s Education Minister, Pingi Fasi, has formally complained to Fijian and Vanuatu authorities after numerous Tongan students were denied entry and sent back home due to visa issues, despite a long-standing visa-free agreement between the nations.
The matter was recently addressed during a high-level meeting with University of the South Pacific (USP) officials in New Zealand, where Minister Fasi revealed that students were being turned away at airports without proper justification.
“When we raised the issue, they were surprised and claimed they didn’t know about it happened,” Fasi said.
Following urgent discussions, Fiji and Vanuatu agreed to immediately stop the practice and ensure border officials are properly informed of the agreement.
The minister hailed the resolution as a significant step forward, emphasising that the treaty should facilitate seamless travel for Tongan students and citizens.
