The increasing rate of divorce of people leaving on overseas employment programs needs to be addressed, the Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku said today. This issue was also raised by the King

By Katalina Siasau

Overseas employment programs that are attracting thousands of Tongans to leave home, are breaking up families, Tonga's Prime Minister said today.

Hon. Hu'akavameiliku was responding to concerns expressed yesterday by King Tupou VI who told members parliament to address the challenges caused by people leaving on overseas employment programs.

"We are all concerned about it: the breaking up of families, the rate of divorce increasing; we accepted it's an issue we need to address," the PM told a media briefing today.

He said they were currently working with Australia to provide a family visa for those leaving on labour schemes. For example, he said if farmers wanted workers to stay a little longer than normal, they should also accommodate the workers' families as well.

"That should help in terms of addressing break-ups and divorces.

"At the same time, we also have a role in educating them to know what’s expected. The reason why the number of seasonal workers increases is the financial benefits. But with most things, there are issues that come out of that decision."

The PM said they were also conducting a survey with Australia to get feedback from various stakeholders in seasonal workers programs, in order to know the underlying causes for this issue, and so to build appropriate intervention.

Meanwhile, a nine member Select Committee has been established to respond to the King’s royal address on the opening of parliament yesterday.

It includes the nobles, Lord Speaker Fakafanua, HSH Prince Kalaniuvalu Fotofili, and Lord Tu'ivakano; Cabinet Ministers, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, Dr. Viliami Latu, and Dr. Siale 'Akau'ola; and People's Representatives, Hon. Piveni Piukala, Hon. Dr. Mo'ale 'Otunuku, and Hon. Kapelieli Lanumata.

The Select Committee met earlier today to discuss the Legislative Assembly’s response to the King’s opening speech, before Parliament sits next Tuesday, on 21 May.