visas

NZ Immigration improves visa conditions for Pacific Island Forum Countries

“Previously, visa conditions were granted specific to the individual’s circumstances for travel, and therefore varied. Following requests from Pacific nations we recognise the need to consider consistent visa conditions for frequent travellers.

The changes for officials and diplomats recognise the need to provide greater consistency to our Pacific Island Forum Country and Kiribati counterparts with visa validity conditions and assurance of our commitment to an efficient process,” says Minister Woods.

Tonga eases visas for Emiratis

Ahemd Alham Al Dhaheri, Assistant Under-Secretary for Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said that Emirati nationals holders of diplomatic, VIP, special mission and ordinary passports can travel to Tonga without prior visa arrangements, following a visa waiver Memorandum of Understanding signed by the governments of the two countries on April 23, 2018, following a joint committee meeting in Abu Dhabi.

Tonga wants more rural work visas in Australia

Tongan Minister for Internal Affairs, Sosefo Fe’ao Vakata, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation today that more than 1000 applicants hoped to find work placement in Australia under the country’s Pacific Harvest Scheme.

“There is some work [back in Tonga], but not as good an income as what they get in Australia,” the Minister said.

And the Minister said he hoped the scheme would help solve the kingdom’s unemployment problem by creating opportunities for school leavers.

EU and Tonga sign the short-stay visa waiver Agreement

A short-stay visa waiver agreement between Tonga and the EU was signed this week allowing visa-free travel for EU citizens when travelling to Tonga.

Tongans travelling to the EU (Schengen area) will also not need visas.

The Agreement applies on a provisional basis as of 21 November 2015.

An EU statement said the agreement would encourage people-to-people contacts, boost tourism, and invigorate business.