Tonga is looking at more repatriation flights to bring nationals home from low risk countries, but the cost of quarantine for repatriated passengers over a three-month period is estimated to be around $1 million pa’anga, the Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola conjected today.

“It’s not a cheap exercise.”

Dr ‘Akau’ola said that while the exact cost of quarantine would have to be confirmed by the Ministry of Finance, it would be close to the $1 million pa'anga mark. 

The Tongan government is paying for the quarantine, which includes accommodation and other things associated with it.

Future repatriation flights

More repatriation flights from low risk countries such as the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Samoa are being looked at, he told a press conference this morning.

“We will start [repatriation] from CoViD-19 free countries and then move on to low risk countries that don’t have community transmission, like New Zealand,” said Dr ‘Akau’ola.

The Prime Minister’s office is looking at how Vanuatu and Samoa are repatriating people successfully, using hotels and halls for quarantine.

“And we are learning from their processes and what we could do in Tonga.”

August

For Tongans stuck in New Zealand, the government is reported to be looking at starting repatriation flights in August.

There are discussions with overseas governments about the possibility of helping Tonga with repatriation costs, said Dr ‘Akau’ola. “They might be able to help with the cost of accommodation here and flights etc. But it is all still being discussed and nothing has been confirmed.”

He said similar support had been given to other Pacific Islands with flight costs.

Discussions are also being held around foreigners covering their own costs should they wish to come to Tonga, particularly with foreign missions or developing partners.

“The government won’t pay for every person to come back.”

Tongans who wish to be repatriated from New Zealand will have to pay for CoViD-19 tests, but the Tongan government will assess passenger’s situations.

“We understand there are some people that may not be able to pay for their tests especially if costs become more expensive.” 

Seasonal workers in New Zealand will have their CoViD-19 tests paid for by their employers.

MEIDECC CEO Mr Paula Ma'u confirmed today that over 2,600 people had registered on the government’s repatriation list and about 1,600 of this number are from New Zealand.