By Katalina Siasau
Tonga’s Immigration Department has acknowledged it does not track how many Tongan nationals have overstayed visas in the United States, been deported, or detained by American authorities — even as Washington imposes sweeping new restrictions that directly target Tongan travellers.
The admission came amid mounting public concern following the suspension of Tonga’s visa privileges by US President Donald Trump and the introduction of a new visa bond requirement.
Speaking at a government CEO media briefing on Friday, 13 February 2026, Immigration Director Telesia Kaitapu confirmed that the department does not receive deportation or detention data from US authorities.
The Immigration Division operates under His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services (HMDS), formerly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“With us immigration, we do not directly receive a statistic if you are deported back from the US because you overstay your visa, at these current restrictions," she said in response to questions from Matangi Tonga.
Kaitapu also said the department has no information on whether Tongans have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The remarks marked the most detailed public statement from Tonga Immigration since the United States tightened visa rules affecting Tonga.
Focus shifts to “messaging” diaspora
With no official statistics on deportations or detentions, the government’s immediate strategy has turned to communication.
Kaitapu said HMDS has begun coordinating with Tongan diplomatic representatives in New York, San Francisco and Honolulu, alongside the US Embassy in Nukuʻalofa. Meetings were held this week, with plans to continue consultations with the US Embassy on a fortnightly basis.
Their immediate focus is “messaging” to the Tongan diaspora in the United States, including Hawaii, as well as Tongans at home.
“The very first step that we need to move on to is messaging,” she said.
Until the CEO briefing, Tonga Immigration had not issued an official public statement addressing the US restrictions.
$15,000 visa bond requirement
Under new US rules that took effect on 21 January 2026, Tongan applicants for B1/B2 visitor visas must pay a bond of up to USD $15,000 (approximately TOP $36,774) before a visa can be issued. The requirement applies regardless of where the application is lodged.
"We can't do anything about it. What we can do is that to continue working with them, [on] how are we going to remove Tonga's name from that list," Kaitapu said.
The briefing was attended by several government chief executives and was facilitated by the Chief Secretary & Secretary to Cabinet, Mr. Paula Ma'u.
The new government has indicated it plans to hold monthly media briefings with CEOs.
