Tonga Nationals

The group travelled from the United States to Fiji to return to the kingdom.

However, travel restrictions imposed as a result of the outbreak of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in Fiji meant the group cannot travel onwards to Tonga.

Tonga’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Reynold 'Ofanoa said there had been discussions to fly the passengers to New Zealand and then to Tonga.

However, that arrangement is now on hold as New Zealand battles with an outbreak of the Delta variant of COVID-19.

According to Police the 22-year-old Tongan national was staying with family in Wainivula and left home on September 30.

Fiji Police say she informed her family of where she would be staying, however when they checked on her a few days later, they were informed that she had left on October 4.

They have not been able to return home since Tonga’s borders closed in March 23.

Ministry of Health CEO, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola said there’s no viable pathway home for these patients, without stronger collaboration in the region.

“We have difficulty in repatriating back our folks from India, because no one can help us. It is quite a bit frustrating!” he said in a regional conference at the Fa'onelua Centre Thursday.