Signing Ceremony for Grant Assistance to the Kingdom of Tonga (the Project for Enhancing Border Management Capacity through the Introduction of the eMRP (Electronic Machine-Readable Passport)”

On September 25, H.E. Mr. INAGAKI Hisao, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga, and Mr. Solomon KANTHA, Chief of Mission and Subregional Coordinator for the South Pacific, International Organization for Migration, Fiji Country Office with Coordinating Functions, signed and exchanged notes for " the Project for Enhancing Border Management Capacity through the Introduction of the eMRP (Electronic Machine-Readable Passport)" (project up to 882 million JPY, equivalent to 6 million USD).
 
This project aims at strengthening the border control capacity which is a security challenge of Tonga through creating an environment for the introduction of Electronic Machine-Readable passport (e-passport) by supporting the revision of the laws and regulations related immigration control, developing human resources to strengthen the identification management system, and installing appropriate e-passport issuing equipment.
 
Ambassador Inagaki noted that the introduction of e-passport enables the Tongan government to implement advanced data management in line with international standards, thereby enhancing border management capabilities. He stated, “This cooperation represents a significant step toward achieving the goals outlined in the Leaders' Declaration and Joint Action Plan of the 10th Pacific Islands Forum Summit, specifically in the areas of ‘Peace and Security’ and ‘Technology and Connectivity.’”
 
Mr. Solomon Kantha, emphasized the Project being a shared commitment to strengthen border management in ways that are modern, secure, people-centred and sustainable. “This Project invests in people. It will equip frontline officers with the tools, skills, and standard operating procedures they need to make fast, fair and well-informed decisions at the border.