By Katalina Siasau
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be replaced by His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, a key reform under the His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service Bill 2025, which was passed by the Tonga Legislative Assembly on 5 August, 2025.
The Bill was tabled into the House by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala.
The Bill formally establishes the structure, operations, and responsibilities of His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services.
It aims to modernize and strengthen the framework for the conduct and implementation of diplomatic and consular relations, while also enhancing oversight of immigration in alignment with national interests.
The Bill includes Establishment of His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, Creation of the Diplomatic Services Board, Administrative Provisions, Appointment of Overseas Representatives, Regulatory Powers and Transitional Matters.
The key objective of the Bill is to formally legislate the operations and functions of His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, previously known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to regulate the conduct of diplomatic and consular relations, and to manage immigration services in accordance with the national interest, as determined by His Majesty and Cabinet.
Upon commencement of the Act, all employees, assets, records, and obligations of the former Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be transferred to the newly established Diplomatic Services.
