Tonga’s Prime Minister-designate, Lord Fakafanua, recently addressed rising concerns regarding a contentious proposal to sell Tongan passports as part of a citizenship-by-investment initiative. Fakafanua clarified that the scheme is still merely a proposal and has yet to go through the necessary parliamentary procedures. In a recent session of the Legislative Assembly, he emphasized that any such proposal must be thoroughly examined, undergo public consultations, and ultimately gain the approval of the King.
The citizenship initiative reportedly originated from a leaked document indicating that foreigners could acquire Tongan citizenship through an investment of around US$190,000, with a family option available for approximately US$220,000. Promoted by the investment firm Henley & Partners, the initiative has been projected to generate about US$400 million for the Tongan government over the next five years.
Fakafanua, along with former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni and Tonga’s UN representative Va’inga Tone, has engaged in discussions with lobbyists for the project from September 2022 to May 2023. However, notable figures, including Mele ‘Amanaki, the general secretary of the Tonga Public Service Association, have voiced their apprehensions and plan to present a petition aimed at halting the proposal. Amanaki pointed out that many Tongans, both domestically and in the diaspora, remain wary, recalling previous attempts to sell passports in the 1980s that were plagued by financial mismanagement and led to substantial revenue losses.
The past serves as a cautionary tale, with the previous programs contributing to public outrage and notable events such as the 2006 Nuku’alofa riots, which forced significant government reforms. Political adviser Lopeti Senituli also commented on the prevalent skepticism surrounding cash-for-citizenship schemes, highlighting the historical issues of transparency and accountability associated with similar initiatives.
Despite the controversial nature of the citizenship proposal, Fakafanua expressed a willingness to discuss its merits, underscoring the importance of ensuring that any potential benefits for Tonga are carefully scrutinized and responsibly addressed. This approach reflects a hopeful sentiment that Tongan officials will prioritize the nation’s long-term interests before making decisions regarding citizenship for investment.