Australians who wish to leave Tonga urged to register [1]
Tuesday, April 21, 2020 - 18:14
Australian citizens and permanent residents who wish to leave Tonga are being advised by the Australian High Commission (AHC) to register with their office.
The Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Adrian Morrison, said his office is working closely with the Tongan government and other governments, private organisations and airlines to help Australians and permanent residents, noting that there were limitations in light of Tonga’s own CoViD-19 restrictions.
Since 25 March, the AHC (under the direction of the Australian Government) assisted three charter flights returning around 50 Australian citizens and permanent residents.
“I thank the Government of Tonga for assisting our repatriations in challenging times."
“I urge Australians wishing to return home to follow our Facebook page and register their interest with the High Commission in returning to Australia when possible.”
Currently, all travellers arriving in Australia are subject to 14 days quarantine at their port of arrival at designated facilities such as a hotel before they can go home.
Travellers will stay in safe and hygienic accommodation, and supplied food and water, as well as medical support, and are not subject to these costs as part of these arrangements.
Australians are encouraged to check the Department of Home Affairs website [2] regularly as travel restrictions are subject to change. They should also subscribe for updates in Smartraveller [3] and monitor the High Commission’s website and social media accounts.
Those who are interested in returning to Australia can contact the ATC on 20 400 to register.
Last month, the Australian Government strongly recommended citizens to return home.
Meanwhile, Australia is supporting the Tongan government’s efforts and preparation plans for CoViD-19.
This includes $11 million in budget assistance to Tonga in 2019-20, including up to $7 million to help Tonga respond to the COVID-19 crisis.