Tupoutu'a Tonutonu Lindborg was one of four proud overseas Tongans from the United States who reclaimed their Tongan citizenship in Nuku'alofa on Monday February 16.

In a short ceremony at the Prime Minister's Office, the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele signed Certificates of Re-admission to the Tongan Nationality for Tupou, Vaea Tangitau Tauteoli, Fineasi Manase Nau and 'Emaile Nau. The Prime Minister also witnessed their Oaths of Allegiance.

The group expressed their joy in re-claiming back their Tongan citizenship. Under Tonga's new dual citizenship laws Tongans who have lost their Tongan citizenship because they became citizens of other countries may now apply for readmission of their citizenship.

Tupou said she currently staying in Vava'u to oversee renovation work to her home 'Ulutlei. She is married to an American Jon Lindborg and became a US citizen in 1986, and they live and work in Manilla, the Philippines.

"I am so happy because I have always wanted to come back home," said Tupou. Her husband and son will eventually join her in Vava'u.

She said she paid over $800 pa'anga for her application fee and other costs for re-admission to the Tonga Immigration office in December. It included filling out an application form, providing two passport photos and original copies of a medical report, a police record and proof of her foreign citizenship.

It is estimated that around 30 overseas Tongans mostly rugby players have reclaimed their Tongan citizenship since February last year.

Applications

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that overseas Tongans can lodge their application with Tongan Consular offices in the United States or the United Kingdom but the approval and issuing out of the certificates will still be done in Tonga.

Applicants are required to be present in Nuku'alofa to take their oath of allegiance in the presence of the Prime Minister.

The administration fee for application for certificate of re-admission to the Tongan nationality is TOP$750.

Gloria Guttenbeil Pole'o, the Assistant Senior Crown Counsel of the Crown Law Department said that re-admission applies only to Tongans who acquired foreign citizenship before August 14, 2007 because the laws of Tonga did not allow dual citizenship before this date.

Tongans who acquired nationality after this date have not lost their Tongan nationality and do not have to apply for dual citizenship because they are entitled to it, she confirmed.

The amended act declares that persons deemed to be Tongans are those born in Tonga to a Tongan parent; persons born abroad of a Tongan father or mother; and any non-Tongan who married a Tongan provided they lodge a written declaration with the Minister of Foreign Affairs wishing to assume Tongan nationality.

The Minister also has the discretion in granting or withholding a certificate of re-admission. And a certificate of re-admission will not be issued until the applicant has taken the oath of allegiance. However they have to present in Tonga when the interview takes place.

Applicants can lodge their application by sending it to families in Tonga for submission or through their respective Consular offices whether in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia to be sent to Tonga because applications will only be approved here in Nuku'alofa.

In February 2008, two overseas Tongans were the first to be granted their citizenship when they received certificates of re-admission to the Tongan nationality from the Prime Minister in Nuku'alofa.