Hawai’i – New U.S. travel restrictions are preventing Tongan families from celebrating major academic milestones with their children in Hawai’i, according to a Brigham Young University–Hawaiʻi professor from Tonga.
As Kaniva News reported earlier this week, the Trump administration has imposed partial travel restrictions on Tongan nationals to the United States, six months after warning the kingdom of possible action if it failed to meet specific U.S. requirements.
The proclamation extends partial travel restrictions and entry limitations to 15 additional countries, including Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
According to the U.S. Overstay Report, Tonga recorded a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 6.45 percent and an F, M, and J student/exchange visa overstay rate of 14.44 percent.
The administration announced that the visa restrictions for Tonga will take effect on January 1, 2026, despite speculation that a form of the ban was already being implemented.
Professor Tevita Kaili, who has taught Tongan students at BYU-Hawaiʻi for 20 years, voiced strong concern about the human impact of the policy.
“I am deeply concerned about the negative impacts of the current travel restrictions on my Tongan students, both those studying now and those in the future,” Kaili stated on Facebook.
While current students on J-1 and F-1 visas can continue their studies, the recently expanded restrictions have blocked their families from obtaining travel visas, the professor said.
Kaili pointed to the university’s December 12 graduation as a recent and painful example of the consequences.
For many Tongan families, attending a graduation is a crowning moment that represents a profound collective sacrifice and immense pride.
“Case in point, at our last BYU Hawaiʻi graduation on December 12th, the parents and relatives of my Tongan students were not granted visas to attend. It was truly disheartening!” Ka’ili said.
The administration cited the need to raise U.S. entry standards and bolster national security, suggesting the expansion was partly in response to the recent arrest of an Afghan national suspected of a shooting attack.
Critics contend the policy is overly broad and unfairly targets individuals from the affected countries.
For educators like Professor Kaili, the effect is direct and deeply personal, creating emotional strain for students and severing a crucial cultural connection at a key moment in their lives.
Brigham Young University–Hawaiʻi, owned by the Mormon Church, has long maintained strong ties with Tonga through the church, which is the second-largest denomination in the kingdom. In Fall 2011, enrollment was reported at 2,600 students, including 78 from Tonga.
Ashok Kumar, 58, of Fangaloto has been convicted and sentenced to seven and a half years’ imprisonment for trafficking a Fijian woman under the false pretence of employment.
The Supreme Court found Kumar guilty of one count of trafficking in persons for organising the entry of Miliana Raluve, 36, from Fiji to Tonga in October 2024.
He had lured her with a fabricated job offer at the Tanoa Hotel, promising a wage of $10 per hour.
A Desperate Search Exploited
According to evidence presented by Crown Counsel, Kumar contacted the complainant, a mother of three, on Facebook in September 2024. Capitalising on her desperation to support her family, he offered her the hotel job, paid for her airfare, and obtained her passport details under the guise of immigration processing.
Upon her arrival on October 4, the reality was starkly different. The court heard that Kumar did not resemble his Facebook profile, his home was not as described, and no employment existed.
Isolated and with no local contacts, the woman testified to feeling terrified when Kumar made three separate attempts to have sex with her, all of which she refused.
“She was misled by the defendant with false promises of employment,” Crown Counsel stated.
“She discovered upon arrival that the living arrangements were not as described and she had no relatives or friends in Tonga.”
Intervention and Arrest
After enduring several days of fear, the victim sought help from a cousin who is a police officer. Kumar was arrested on October 8 after the victim reported feeling unsafe and fearing for her life when he confronted her about her complaints.
In a police interview, Kumar admitted to arranging her travel but denied promising employment before purchasing the ticket—a claim the court rejected based on the evidence.
In a victim impact statement, the woman expressed her relief at Kumar’s arrest, stating she has since moved on with her life.
While she told the court she had forgiven him, she expressed shock that “someone of his age would act in such a manner.”
Sentencing
The Crown had recommended a starting point of 10 years’ imprisonment. In delivering the sentence, Justice Tupou KC considered the predatory nature of the crime, the victim’s vulnerability, and the breach of trust.
Kumar was ultimately sentenced to seven and half years. The final six months of the sentence are suspended for 12 months on condition that he does not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment. He must report to the probation office within 48 hours of his release and will be placed under probation.
The suspended sentence is intended to serve as a strong incentive for his rehabilitation upon release.
The conviction underscores ongoing regional concerns about human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through false promises of work.
Tonga Police have announced the temporary closure of Laulea Beach Resort at Fātumu following the death of a Tongan father from New Zealand who drowned while trying to rescue his sons.
The family were enjoying a “beautiful” holiday before tragedy struck. Photo supplied via Stuff
The beach has been designated a Restricted Zone effective from Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at 4pm, under Section 125 of the Tonga Police Act.
Authorities said the closure will allow the Ministry of Police and the Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning & Natural Resources to install safety signage and clear directional markers.
Anyone who fails to comply with the directive could face a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
Closure Follows Tragic Drowning
The police move comes after a family holiday in Tonga ended in tragedy in November when former heavyweight boxer Semisi Kalu drowned while saving two of his sons from dangerous surf at the infamous Laulea Beach on eastern Tongatapu.
Kalu, a competitor at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, later settled in Auckland, where he ran a drainage business. He had returned to Tonga with his wife and three children to visit his mother.
According to local reports, Kalu’s sons were swept out to sea while swimming on the family’s final day in Tonga. Kalu managed to reach them and bring one son back to shore, but he succumbed to the sea despite resuscitation efforts.
His wife, Alexandria Ma’ilei Kalu, described him as their family’s “hero,” saying he died protecting his children.
Police said the closure is necessary to prevent further tragedies and ensure public safety.
The beach will remain closed until further notice while safety measures are put in place.
Deadly Beach History
As Kaniva News repeatedly reported, Laulea Beach is one of the most dangerous places in Tonga to go swimming due to powerful rip currents and waves known to sweep people out to sea.
In May 2024 Puli ki Puloti Jr Afu died at Laulea before his body was found.
In January 2024, Selomiti Tufui, a young policewoman, died at the beach.
In 2018 Viliami Vaka’uta, 24, was presumed dead after he attempted to save her wife in the water.
In 2017 Soane Tangipa ʻAtaʻata died after he went swimming at the beach.
In 2015 ‘Inoke Mapaleve Mo’unga, 32, of Kolonga, drowned at the beach after visiting there with his wife and friends.
In 2012 Catholic priest, Father Mikaele Mateo , 37, died at Laulea Beach while helping to rescue his five young nephews who were swept out to the open sea by the strong currents.
Hiko Fungavaka was awarded Life Membership of the Oceania Hockey Federation (OHF) in November 2025, recognising his exceptional contribution to the development of hockey in Tonga and across the Pacific.
Photo/https://oceaniahockey.com/
Hiko’s journey with OHF began in 2004 when he facilitated Tonga’s first Olympic Solidarity Hockey Coaching Course, where he met Continental Development Officer Gill Gemming for the first time. His passion for the sport grew steadily, and in 2016, he made history as OHF’s first Pacific Island Hockey Development Officer.
Before taking on the regional role, Hiko served as Sport Development Officer for the Tonga Olympic Committee (TASANOC) and was elected to its Board. His expertise in Olympic Solidarity grants helped Tonga Hockey Federation secure annual funding for equipment, coaching and umpiring workshops, and team travel to OHF events. His leadership extended beyond hockey—Hiko was appointed Chef de Mission for Tonga’s national team at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, a role he managed with distinction while still supporting Tonga Hockey from the bench.
In 2015, Hiko expressed his vision to grow hockey beyond its traditional base of girls and women, expanding opportunities for boys, men, and people with disabilities. He became the first Pacific Island Development Officer to work regularly with athletes with disabilities, championing inclusivity in the sport.
Hiko’s grassroots efforts have left a lasting legacy. He introduced hockey to kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, using national players as role models to inspire young athletes and develop leadership skills. As an OSEP Master Educator, he facilitated numerous coaching and umpiring courses and initiated teacher workshops to ensure hockey remained active in schools.
His strong relationships with TASANOC, government ministries, and other agencies elevated hockey from a minority sport to a recognised activity in Tonga’s sporting landscape. Hiko also played a pivotal role in securing funding for Tongan teams to compete in major events, including four Pacific Games, the FIH World League Series, a Youth Olympic Games Qualifier, and three Oceania Cup Hockey 5s tournaments.
Through dedication and persistence, Hiko overcame challenges to ensure Tonga Hockey reached its potential, transforming it into a growing force in Oceania. His Life Membership award is a fitting tribute to a career defined by vision, commitment, and service.
The award comes as Fungavaka battles serious health issues that have left him bedridden.
His son, Pitikeni Fungavaka, told Kaniva News that while awaiting CT scan results from Vaiola Hospital, he suspected his father may be suffering from some form of cancer.
NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) has issued a formal warning to the public regarding a fraudulent investment scheme circulating on social media.
The scheme, operating under the names “BG Wealth Sharing” and “DSJEX,” impersonates a legitimate cryptocurrency trading service and is targeting individuals across Tonga and its diaspora communities in New Zealand, Australia, and elsewhere.
Authorities report that the scam involves a fake trading platform designed to deceive investors.
Victims are often promised high returns or free cash to invest in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ether.
These digital currencies, which exist electronically and can be bought through exchanges or apps, carry significant risks in such schemes, as payments are irreversible and lack standard legal protections. The central bank cannot recover funds lost to these scams.
The scam typically follows a pattern. After luring a victim, the fraudulent platform displays fabricated profits to create a false sense of success. Scammers then pressure individuals to invest increasingly larger sums.
When a victim attempts to withdraw their supposed earnings, they are blocked and presented with demands for additional fees or taxes, which never lead to an actual release of funds.
The National Reserve Bank of Tonga urges the public to be vigilant and protect their savings.
It said: “The NRBT urges the public to be vigilant and protect their funds from such scams. The NRBT remains dedicated to protecting financial consumers and maintaining the integrity of Tonga’s financial system.”
Citizens should treat unsolicited investment offers with extreme scepticism, especially those promoted on social media, and verify the legitimacy of any financial service.
The NRBT confirms that “BG Wealth Sharing” or “DSJEX” is not licensed to operate in the Kingdom.
The bank reiterated its commitment to protecting financial consumers and maintaining the integrity of Tonga’s financial system.
The warning in Tonga follows similar alerts issued in the United Kingdom and California regarding the same fraudulent scheme
The Trump administration has expanded its travel restrictions, adding Tonga and 14 other countries to a list of nations facing partial entry bans.
The move follows a warning issued in June that countries failing to address security and documentation concerns could face restrictions.
At the time, then-Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke described the travel ban warning he received from the United States as ‘shocking.’ He said the notice was forwarded to Crown Prince Tupouto‘a and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His comments indicated that the Prime Minister’s Office did not play an active role in the response process.
On Tuesday, U.S. officials confirmed that citizens from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria will face full entry bans, while individuals holding Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents are also prohibited from entering the United States.
Partial restrictions will apply to travellers from 15 countries, including Tonga, alongside Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The administration said the decision was based on concerns over “widespread corruption, fraudulent or unreliable civil documents, and criminal records” that complicate vetting processes.
Officials also cited high rates of visa overstays, refusal to accept deportees, and “general lack of stability and government control” as contributing factors
The latest update follows intense debate within Tonga’s online community, where concerns have grown among the nation’s nearly 80,000 Tongans living in the United States, as the June warning could impact their situation.
The expanded travel ban reflects ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to tighten immigration controls and enhance national security.
Critics argue the policy disproportionately affects developing nations and could strain diplomatic relations, while supporters maintain it is necessary to safeguard U.S. borders and prevent security risks.
A leaked proposal to sell Tongan citizenship for investment—projected to raise up to US$400 million over five years—has become a central issue in next week’s prime ministerial election, reviving concerns over past passport scandals and exposing divisions over the nation’s economic future.
Speaker Lord Fakafanua. Photo/Screenshot
Tonga’s 26-member Parliament will elect a new Prime Minister next week, in a contest now influenced by the apparent involvement of noble MP and Legislative Assembly Speaker Lord Fakafanua in the passport investment proposal.
His potential candidacy has surprised observers, as nobles have not participated in premiership elections for the past three governments—a situation previously linked to the King’s reported advice for them to step back.
Lord Fakafanua did not respond when asked by Kaniva News whether he intends to stand in the upcoming Prime Ministerial election.
The citizenship by investment (CBI) plan, designed and promoted by the prominent investment migration firm Henley & Partners, would allow foreigners to obtain Tongan citizenship through a substantial financial contribution.
The document indicates that the cost of Tongan citizenship for a single applicant is set at USD$190,000, while a family of two to four members would pay USD$220,000. The payment is described as a non-refundable contribution to a government fund or a donation to a charity.
Lord Speaker Fakafanua argues the plan offers a vital solution to chronic budget deficits and donor dependency. However, critics warn the proposal could repeat past mistakes, pointing to passport sales in the 1980s that involved international criminals and generated US$26 million — funds that were later lost in a failed investment scheme in the United States.
Global Firm, Local Lobbying
According to the leaked documents obtained by Kaniva News, lobbyists for the scheme appear to have held meetings with senior royally appointed officials from September 2023 through May 2025.
These included Tonga’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Va’inga Tone, former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku, Speaker Lord Fakafanua, and the Attorney General.
A senior official told Kaniva News on condition of anonymity that Lord Fakafanua and lobbyists approached the Eke Cabinet with the proposal and also lobbied ministers individually in an attempt to secure approval, but the plan was ultimately rejected
“My involvement was to introduce a potential solution to governments over reliance on aid dependency, budget deficit and lack of foreign investment opportunities for Tonga,” Lord Fakafanua told Kaniva News.
“The government is over reliant on overseas donor support to balance its budget each year. Unless the government diversifies its revenue sources the future of our finances is uncertain.”
The Lord Speaker said Henley & Partners was introduced to him by a senior councillor. After reviewing the firm’s work, he presented it to successive governments. He acknowledged that the term “passport” sale is politically sensitive, particularly given past Tongan passport scandals, but insisted the new proposal — co-designed with the government — is fundamentally different.
“This scheme has the potential to bring financial independence,” he said, citing potential investments in health, education, crime prevention and infrastructure.
“There is an opportunity to alleviate the local tax payers and lift the population from poverty and hardships.”
The proposal includes safeguards such as rigorous multi-layer vetting, depositing all funds into government accounts, and revoking citizenship for false applications, Lord Fakafanua said.
A Troubled Global Track Record
Henley & Partners’ involvement has raised eyebrows, given its central role in CBI programs now under global scrutiny.
The firm helped establish Malta’s “golden passport” scheme, ruled illegal by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) this year.
The ECJ ruled on April 29, 2025, that Malta’s CBI scheme was illegal and incompatible with EU law, as it commodified citizenship without requiring a genuine link to the country. Henley & Partners was the sole marketing agent for the program and generated significant revenue from it. It opposed the ECJ decision, arguing that it lacks a strong legal basis and reflects a misunderstanding of the socio-economic role of investment migration.
The CBI program also reportedly processed applications for individuals such as fugitive Jho Low, who is accused of embezzling $4.5 billion from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, enabling him to obtain a passport from Cyprus.
Low also obtained economic citizenship from St. Kitts and Nevis in 2011 though he never visited the island; the passport was later revoked in 2018. He used these ‘golden passports’ to facilitate international travel and evade capture while implicated in the multi-billion-dollar fraud.
In the Pacific, Henley & Partners managed Nauru’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (NECRCP), launched in November 2024 during the COP29 climate conference. The firm was appointed as the official agent to design, administer, and promote the program, aimed at attracting investment for climate adaptation initiatives.
Previously, in 2003, Nauru faced strong criticism over its former passport investment scheme’s weak vetting process, which reportedly allowed criminals—including individuals linked to al-Qaeda—and politically exposed persons to obtain passports.
Vanuatu operated a similar passport investment scheme, though not managed by Henley & Partners. The European Union revoked visa-free access for Vanuatu passport holders, citing serious security risks from its ‘golden passport’ program. The scheme lacked adequate vetting, resulting in citizenship being granted to criminals, sanctioned individuals, and those listed by Interpol, posing significant threats to EU security despite years of dialogue and partial suspensions.
Ghosts of the Past
The ongoing debate over Chinese influence in Tonga’s Nukuʻalofa central business district is rooted in the former passport sale program, which allowed more than 400 Chinese citizens to purchase Tongan passports and settle in the country during the early 1990s.
Those documents were also reportedly used for drug smuggling and international travel by figures, including members of the ousted Marcos family of the Philippines.
Anonymous critics cited this history to Kaniva News, warning that without ironclad transparency and governance, any new program risks repeating these failures and threatening regional security.
The proposal, while actively lobbied for, has not been approved by successive cabinets.
Its fate now rests with the incoming government, making the election a de facto referendum on a policy that promises financial independence at the risk of national reputation and integrity.
In an unprecedented and severe crackdown, the National Rugby League (NRL) has proposed suspending three Tonga XIII officials from the sport for two years.
This follows its investigation into the serious injury suffered by forward Eliesa Katoa during a match at Eden Park, New Zealand, on November 2, 2025.
The investigation, launched after the concerning incident, has uncovered “a number of serious concerns regarding possible breaches of the NRL Rules and protocols” in the treatment of the star player.
Central to the findings is what the NRL describes as “a possible breakdown in communication between responsible medical and health professionals” regarding Katoa’s safety.
The league specifically cited “a failure to share and disclose information that was vital to the health of the player.”
“The NRL Rules and protocols exist to protect player safety and wellbeing and must be followed,” the league stated firmly in its release.
As a result, the NRL has issued breach notices to four Tonga XIII officials, proposing heavy sanctions.
The Head Doctor and Assistant Doctor for the Tongan side each face a prohibition from involvement with any NRL club, representative team, or player for “a period of no less than 24 months.”
The Orange Shirt Head Trainer faces an identical 24-month ban.
A fourth official, the Yellow Shirt Medical Assistant, has been issued a formal warning.
All four individuals will also be mandated to undergo further training on concussion protocols and their responsibilities under NRL rules. They have five business days to respond to the breach notices before final determinations are made.
The NRL reiterated that all on-field trainers and medical personnel are required to annually complete the league’s Elite Head Injury/Concussion protocols and maintain strict medical qualifications.
“The NRL is continuing to support Mr Katoa and his family during his important recovery,” the statement concluded, underscoring the human element at the heart of the disciplinary action.
This decisive move signals the NRL’s strongest-ever stance on enforcing its concussion safety standards, setting a new benchmark for accountability among team medical staff.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf at the time defended team doctors, saying everything was “done by the book”.
“We’ve got two very experienced doctors there,” he said. “They’ve done their usual HIA. He’s passed all that and passed all that well.
“My job is not to question doctors. They were both comfortable with that and comfortable with him coming back onto the field, so I don’t think there’s anything to worry about there in terms of the process.”
A leading Tongan public health expert has been elected as a Fellow of the Pacific Academy of Sciences (PAS), marking a major achievement for Pacific-led research and innovation.
Professor Sunia Foliaki
Professor Sunia Foliaki, a public health physician from Ha‘afeva and Kanokupolu, co-leads Pacific health research at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR).
His expertise spans cancer epidemiology, asthma, palliative care, and other non-communicable diseases.
Recognition for Impactful Research
CPHR Director Professor Jeroen Douwes said the Fellowship recognises Professor Foliaki’s outstanding research and its positive impact on Pacific communities.
“I am delighted that Professor Foliaki has been made a Fellow of the Pacific Academy of Sciences. The Fellowship is a tribute to his work and the difference it makes for Pacific people both in New Zealand and across the region,” Professor Douwes said.
He highlighted Professor Foliaki’s recent success in securing a $3.6 million grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to improve access to timely health services in Tonga, and a $363,000 Ministry of Health grant to strengthen palliative care in Polynesia.
“These achievements demonstrate the real-world impact of his research. We are very proud to work alongside him,” Douwes added.
About the Pacific Academy of Sciences
Established in 2024, PAS brings together leading Pacific researchers, innovators, and knowledge holders to strengthen regional research and ensure Pacific science informs global discussions.
Professor Foliaki said his election was a great honour.
“As Pacific peoples, we must continue to build science beyond the reef – strengthening research, innovation, and collaboration across our small island nations.
By aligning our scientific endeavours with global standards while remaining grounded in Pacific values and wisdom, we can ensure our communities’ aspirations are represented in shaping the world’s scientific future,” he said.
Massey Pacific Leadership
Professor Foliaki joins fellow Massey academics Professor Palatasa (Tasa) Havea, Dean of Pacific, and Professor Jodie Hunter from the Institute of Education, who serve as Founding Fellows and members of the PAS Governing Board.
Professor Havea said the recognition reflects Foliaki’s commitment to improving Pacific health and advancing research that matters for communities.
“Massey Pacific is proud to have high-calibre staff like Sunia leading the way,” Havea said.
The Academy will formally induct its new Fellows at its inaugural Congress in Apia, Samoa, in February 2026.
Human trafficking remains a serious and persistent problem in Tonga, with the latest U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report warning that the country still falls short of minimum standards to combat exploitation despite recent progress.
Vulnerable young women and girls are increasingly being targeted under the guise of job offers or financial assistance, exposing a hidden trafficking crisis in Tonga, according to information recently obtained by Kaniva News from reliable sources.
It comes after we reported that Philippine authorities recently intercepted two individuals bound for Tonga under the guise of tourism, uncovering a scheme that promised lucrative jobs but led instead to exploitation.
The country’s Bureau of Immigration (BI) stopped the passengers, aged 35 and 31, on October 10 before they could board their flight.
The case highlighted a recurring trafficking modus operandi where victims are recruited with false promises of high-paying work abroad, only to be funnelled into situations of forced labour and severe exploitation.
In 2010, a Chinese woman residing in Tonga, Lirong Liu, was convicted by the Nukuʻalofa Supreme Court on seven charges, including trafficking in persons, keeping a brothel, and engaging in prostitution.
The court heard that Liu had brought two Chinese women to Tonga under the pretence of restaurant employment.
Upon arrival, they were forced into sex work, primarily servicing Chinese labourers in Tonga.
This case remains a significant legal precedent, underscoring the reality of cross-border trafficking.
Young Woman Lured with Job Offer
A mother and daughter in Nuku’alofa reported that a local woman offered the daughter a job washing dishes and cleaning.
However, upon arriving at the establishment, the girl was directed to a back room and questioned in a way that made her feel unsafe. Realising the job was not as advertised, she escaped, a source familiar with the matter told Kaniva News in August.
The recruiter allegedly pressured her to stay, calling her “foolish” for leaving.
The young woman later disclosed the incident to her mother.
The recruiter denied any wrongdoing, claiming it was a legitimate job offer.
The victim described the encounter as sexually suggestive and predatory.
Girls Seen Leaving Foreign Boats
In another incident, a tip-off was received by phone from a person exercising early in the morning, who reported seeing local Tongan girls disembarking from Chinese fishing boats at the Nukuʻalofa wharf, the source said.
The matter was referred to the police, but the outcome remains unclear.
Tonga Still on Tier 2 Watchlist
The United States Trafficking in Persons Report for 2025 places Tonga on Tier 2, meaning the country does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.
According to the report:
Tonga identified and provided services to a victim for the first time since 2015.
Prosecuted a suspected trafficker for the first time since 2011.
Cooperated with foreign law enforcement, resulting in the arrest of a suspected trafficker.
However, the report warns that Tonga has not convicted a trafficker since 2011 and still fails to:
Criminalise all forms of trafficking.
Systematically screen vulnerable populations.
Provide funding for victim protection services.
U.S. Report 2025: Prioritised Recommendations
The report urges Tonga to take the following actions immediately:
Fully implement standard operating procedures for proactive identification of trafficking victims among vulnerable groups and train all law enforcement and front-line workers on their use.
Increase efforts to proactively investigate and prosecute trafficking crimes.
Amend trafficking laws to criminalise all forms of trafficking in persons in line with international law, including crimes lacking cross-border movement.
Continue to fund and fully implement the National Action Plan (NAP).
Provide protections and benefits for victims, such as restitution, legal and medical assistance, and immigration relief.
Increase efforts to develop and conduct anti-trafficking information and education campaigns.
These cases reveal that trafficking in Tonga is both internal and international, often involving vulnerable women and girls. Experts warn that exploitation frequently occurs under the guise of employment opportunities, making it harder to detect and prevent.
A Hidden Crisis Demanding Action
Authorities and community leaders are calling for:
Stronger enforcement of anti-trafficking laws
Public awareness campaigns to educate communities
Support systems for victims, including safe houses, counselling, and legal aid
Human trafficking is a hidden crisis in Tonga—one that demands urgent attention before more lives are shattered.
