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Nationality Act - Naturalization Regulations 1996

LAWS OF TONGA

NATURALIZATION REGULATIONS, 1996

GS 6B of 1996 NATIONALITY ACT (CAP 59)

Regulations to regulate, control and prescribe the forms and fees relative to applications for Naturalization as Tongan subjects or resumption of Tongan Nationality in accordance with the provisions of the Nationality Act.

IN THE EXERCISE of the powers conferred on him by section 15 of the Nationality Act (Cap. 59) the Prime Minister with the consent of Privy Council hereby makes the following Regulations—

1.

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Naturalization Regulations, 1996.

(2) These Regulations apply to aliens and/or persons who are desirous of applying for Naturalization, or resumption of Tongan Nationality.

2. In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires— "Act" means the Nationality Act, (Cap. 59). "Alien" means and includes all persons other than Tongan subjects. "Minister" means the Minister of Police.

3.

(1) All applications under these Regulations shall be filed in the office of the Minister of Police.

(2) Every application shall be made in the applicable form prescribed in Schedule 1–6 hereto.

(3) Every application for naturalization or resumption of Tongan nationality shall be submitted together with:—

(a) 2 passport sized photographs of applicant;

(b) birth certificate of applicant;

(c) passport of applicant;

(d) any certificate of citizenship in the case of application for resumption of Tongan nationality;

(e) the appropriate fee for such application as prescribed in schedule 6 hereto;

(f) Medical Certificate;

(g) such other documents as may be required to complete such application.

(4) Any person whose citizenship is in doubt may apply in writing to the King for determination of his citizenship.

(a) Such application shall be accompanied by—

(i) 2 passport sized photographs

(ii) the appropriate birth certificate of applicant

(iii) parent's marriage certificate

(iv) parent's birth certificate

(v) the appropriate fee as prescribed by Schedule 6 hereto

(vi) and such other documents as may be required to complete such application.

4.

(1) Every applicant shall pay the appropriate fee on application for naturalization, resumption of Tongan nationality and the certificates of naturalization as prescribed in Schedule 7 hereto.

(2) Notwithstanding the requirements of Regulation 4(1), every applicant for naturalization under section 8B of the Act, shall pay the appropriate fee as prescribed in a separate regulation for certain Naturalisations.

5.

(1) There shall be kept and maintained in the office of the Prime Minister registers of:—

(a) persons who have been granted certificates of naturalization on residential grounds;

(b) persons who have been granted special certificates of naturalization.

(c) persons who have resumed Tongan Nationality;

(d) persons who have been granted certificates of readmission to Tongan nationality;

(e) persons born in Tonga whose nationality have been confirmed.

(f) persons who have been granted certificates of naturalization as Tongan Protected Persons Passport holders or Tongan National Passport holders or on humanitarian grounds.

(2) The registers specified in subregulation (1) hereof shall, pursuant to section 16(2) of the Act, be open to public inspection upon payment of the appropriate fee set out in Schedule 7 hereto.

6. Every applicant for naturalization, after lodging his application shall be interviewed by the Minister or any officer or officers duly authorised by the Minister to conduct such interview.

7.

(1) Every applicant for naturalization on residential grounds shall satisfy the following requirements—

(a) that he has resided in Tonga for a period of not less than 5 years;

(b) that he is of good character;

(c) that he intends if his application be granted to reside in the Kingdom.

(d) that he is of good health

(e) such other conditions as may be stipulated in writing by the Prime Minister.

(2) Notwithstanding the requirements stated in subregulation (1) hereof all applications on other grounds shall satisfy the requirements specified in the application form set out in Schedule 6.

8.

(1) Where a certificate of naturalisation is granted by His Majesty in Council to any alien, such person shall take the oath of allegiance as prescribed by section 14 of the Act.

(2) Such oath shall be taken and signed in the presence of the Prime Minister or if authorised in writing by the Prime Minister, a Minister or a diplomatic or consular officer.

(3) The certificates of naturalization issued pursuant to clause 29 of the Constitution and section 14 of the Act, shall be in the form prescribed in Schedule 8.

9. The Regulation Prescribing Fee in Respect of Naturalization 122/29 of 20th February 1913 and any other regulations heretofore promulgated pursuant to section 15 of the Nationality Act, Cap 59 are hereby repealed.

By Order of His Majesty in Privy Council made on the 26th day of August 1996.

‘O. Tu‘i‘onetoa
Clerk to Privy Council

Schedule 1

Reg. 3

Form SP

NATURALIZATION REGULATIONS

APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION ON RESIDENTIAL GROUNDS

1. Full name of applicant: ...........................................................................................

2. Present Nationality:.................................................................................................

3. Other names or aliases: ...........................................................................................

4. Gender: M/F............................................................................................................

5. Date of Birth: ..........................................................................................................

6. Birth Certificate No.:...............................................................................................

7. Mother's full name: .................................................................................................

8. Nationality: .............................................................................................................

9. Father's full name:...................................................................................................

10. Nationality: .............................................................................................................

11. Whether applicant legitimate or illegitimate:..........................................................

12. Brothers: (Ages, whereabouts & nationality)..........................................................

13. Sisters: (Ages, whereabouts & nationality).............................................................

14. If married, full name and nationality of wife: .........................................................

15. Children whether legitimate or illegitimate, age, whereabouts:..............................

16. Previous convictions: ..............................................................................................

17. a) Officer Commanding Police District's report on the following:

b) General behaviour:..............................................................................................

c) Applicant's endeavours to assimilate Tongan customs and culture: ...................

d) Political inclination:............................................................................................

e) Religion: ..............................................................................................................

f) Present occupation: ..............................................................................................

g) Annual gross earnings:........................................................................................

h) Income from foreign sources. Total amount: ......................................................

i) Does he possess a home or house, if rented or lease, terms of such rent or lease, and from whom: ........................................................................................

18. a) Medical report on general physical fitness:.........................................................

b) Medical history of past operations, treatment for contagious diseases (e.g. Pulmonary tuberculosis, leprosy): .....................................................................

19. Character report:

a) District Officer. ...................................................................................................

b) Town Officer (provided resident in village for over 3 years, otherwise

previous village, where applicant has lived continuously for a period of 3 years). ................................................................................................................

Signature of Applicant: ............................................... Date: .........................................

20. OFFICIAL USE ONLY:

a) Comments by Interviewing Officer:

b) Comments by Processing Officer:

c) Minister's Recommendation:

Schedule 2

Reg. 3

Form SP 2

NATURALIZATION REGULATIONS

APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF NATURALIZATION

1. Full name of applicant: ...........................................................................................

2. Present Nationality:.................................................................................................

3. Other names or aliases: ...........................................................................................

4. Gender: M/F............................................................................................................

5. Date of Birth: ..........................................................................................................

6. Place and Country of Birth: ....................................................................................

7. Date of Arrival in the Kingdom: .............................................................................

8. Mother's full name: .................................................................................................

9. Nationality: .............................................................................................................

10. Father's full name:...................................................................................................

11. Nationality: .............................................................................................................

12. Whether applicant legitimate or illegitimate:..........................................................

13. Brothers: (Ages, whereabouts & nationality)..........................................................

14. Sisters: (Ages, whereabouts & nationality).............................................................

15. If married, full name and nationality of wife: .........................................................

16. Children whether legitimate or illegitimate, age, whereabouts:..............................

17. Reasons for application:..........................................................................................

18. Previous convictions: ..............................................................................................

19. a) Officer Commanding Police District's report on the following: .........................

b) General behaviour:..............................................................................................

c) Applicant's endeavours to assimilate Tongan customs and culture: ...................

d) Political inclination: ............................................................................................

e) Religion: ..............................................................................................................

f) Present occupation: ..............................................................................................

g) Annual gross earnings .........................................................................................

h) Income from foreign sources. Total amount: ......................................................

i) Does he possess a home or house, if rented or lease, terms of such rent or lease, and from whom: ........................................................................................

20.

a) Medical report on general physical fitness:.........................................................

b) Medical history of past operations, treatment for contagious diseases (e.g. Pulmonary tuberculosis, leprosy):.......................................................................

21. Character report:

a) District Officer..................................................................................................

b) Town Officer (provided resident in village for over 3 years, otherwise previous village, where applicant has lived continuously for a period of 3 years). ..................................................................................................................

Signature of Applicant: .............................................. Date: .........................................

22. OFFICIAL USE ONLY:

a) Comments by Interviewing Officer:

b) Comments by Processing Officer:

c) Minister's Recommendation:

Schedule 3

Reg. 3

Form SP 3

NATURALIZATION REGULATIONS

APPLICATION FOR RESUMPTION OF TONGAN NATIONALITY

1. Full name of applicant: ...........................................................................................

2. Present Nationality:.................................................................................................

3. Other names or aliases: ...........................................................................................

4. Gender: M/F............................................................................................................

5. Date of Birth: ..........................................................................................................

6. Place and Country of Birth: ....................................................................................

7. Date of Arrival in the Kingdom: .............................................................................

8. Date he/she ceased to be a Tongan subject: ............................................................

9. Mother's full name: .................................................................................................

10. Nationality: .............................................................................................................

11. Father's full name:...................................................................................................

12. Nationality: .............................................................................................................

13. Whether applicant legitimate or illegitimate:..........................................................

14. Brothers: (Ages, whereabouts & nationality)..........................................................

15. Sisters: (Ages, whereabouts & nationality).............................................................

16. If married, full name and nationality of wife: .........................................................

17. Children whether legitimate or illegitimate, age, whereabouts:..............................

18. Reasons for application:..........................................................................................

19. Previous convictions: ..............................................................................................

20.

a) Officer Commanding Police District's report on the following: .........................

b) General behaviour: ..............................................................................................

c) Applicant's endeavours to assimilate Tongan customs and culture: ...................

d) Political inclination: ............................................................................................

e) Religion: ..............................................................................................................

f) Present occupation: ..............................................................................................

g) Annual gross earnings:........................................................................................

h) Income from foreign sources. Total amount: ......................................................

i) Does he possess a home or house, if rented or lease, terms of such rent or

lease, and from whom: ........................................................................................

21.

a).............Medical report on general physical fitness:..................................

b) Medical history of past operations, treatment for contagious diseases (e.g. Pulmonary tuberculosis, leprosy):.......................................................................

22. Character report:

a) District Officer. ...................................................................................................

b) Town Officer (provided resident in village for over 3 years, otherwise

previous village, where applicant has lived continuously for a period of 3 years). ..................................................................................................................

Signature of Applicant: ................................................. Date: .........................................

23. OFFICIAL USE ONLY:

a) Comments by Interviewing Officer:

b) Comments by Processing Officer:

c) Minister's Recommendation:

Schedule 4

Reg. 3

Form SP 4

NATURALIZATION REGULATIONS

APPLICATION FOR READMISSION TO TONGAN NATIONALITY

1. Full name of applicant: ...........................................................................................

2. Present Nationality:.................................................................................................

3. Other names or aliases: ...........................................................................................

4. Gender: M/F............................................................................................................

5. Date of Birth: ..........................................................................................................

6. Place and Country of Birth: ....................................................................................

7. Date of Arrival in the Kingdom: .............................................................................

8. Date he/she ceased to be a Tongan subject: ............................................................

9. Foreign State of which he became a subject: ..........................................................

10. Date he/she ceased to be a subject of that foreign State: ........................................

11. Mother's full name: .................................................................................................

12. Nationality: .............................................................................................................

13. Father's full name:...................................................................................................

14. Nationality: .............................................................................................................

15. Whether applicant legitimate or illegitimate:..........................................................

16. Brothers: (Ages, whereabouts & nationality)..........................................................

17. Sisters: (Ages, whereabouts & nationality).............................................................

18. If married, full name and nationality of wife: .........................................................

19. Children whether legitimate or illegitimate, age, whereabouts:..............................

20. Reasons for application:..........................................................................................

21. Previous convictions: ..............................................................................................

22.

a) Officer Commanding Police District's report on the following: .........................

b) General behaviour: ..............................................................................................

c) Applicant's endeavours to assimilate Tongan customs and culture: ...................

d) Political inclination: ............................................................................................

e) Religion: ..............................................................................................................

f) Present occupation: ..............................................................................................

g) Annual gross earnings:........................................................................................

h) Income from foreign sources. .............................................................................

Total amount: ..........................................................................................................

i) Does he possess a home or house, if rented or lease, terms of such rent or lease, and from whom: ........................................................................................

23.

a) Medical report on general physical fitness:.........................................................

b) Medical history of past operations, treatment for contagious diseases (e.g. Pulmonary tuberculosis, leprosy):.......................................................................

24. Character report:......................................................................................................

a) District Officer. ...................................................................................................

b) Town Officer (provided resident in village for over 3 years, otherwise previous village, where applicant has lived continuously for a period of 3 years). ..................................................................................................................

Signature of Applicant: ................................................ Date: .........................................

25. OFFICIAL USE ONLY:

a) Comments by Interviewing Officer:

b) Comments by Processing Officer:

c) Minister's Recommendation:

Schedule 5

Reg. 3

Form SP 5

NATURALIZATION REGULATIONS

APPLICATION FOR DETERMINATION OF TONGAN NATIONALITY

1. Full name of applicant: ...........................................................................................

2. Present Nationality:.................................................................................................

3. Other names or aliases: ...........................................................................................

4. Gender: M/F............................................................................................................

5. Date of Birth: ..........................................................................................................

6. Place and Country of Birth: ....................................................................................

7. Nationality at Birth: ................................................................................................

8. Date of Arrival in the Kingdom: .............................................................................

9. Mother's full name: .................................................................................................

10. Nationality: .............................................................................................................

11. Place of Birth: .........................................................................................................

12. Father's full name:...................................................................................................

13. Nationality: .............................................................................................................

14. Place of Birth: .........................................................................................................

15. Whether applicant legitimate or illegitimate:..........................................................

16. Brothers: (Ages, whereabouts & nationality)..........................................................

17. Sisters: (Ages, whereabouts & nationality).............................................................

18. If married, full name and nationality of wife: .........................................................

19. Children whether legitimate or illegitimate, age, whereabouts:..............................

Signature of Applicant: ...............................................Date: .........................................

20. OFFICIAL USE ONLY:

a) Comments by Interviewing Officer:

b) Comments by Processing Officer:

c) Minister's Recommendation:

Schedule 6

Reg. 3

Form SP 6

NATURALIZATION REGULATIONS

APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION

TONGAN PROTECTED PERSONS PASSPORT HOLDERS

TONGAN NATIONAL PASSPORT HOLDERS

HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS

1. Full name of applicant: ...........................................................................................

2. Address: ..................................................................................................................

3. Nationality: .............................................................................................................

4. Other names or aliases: ...........................................................................................

5. Gender: (circle where appropriate) male female
6. Date of Birth: ..........................................................................................................

7. Present and previous occupations held: ..................................................................

8. Areas of business involved in: ................................................................................

9. How long have you been in this business: ..............................................................

10. Annual gross earnings:............................................................................................

11. Assets and properties: .............................................................................................

12. Income from foreign sources: .................................................................................
Total amount: ..........................................................................................................

13. Parents:....................................................................................................................

a) Mother's full name:..............................................................................................

Nationality:..............................................................................................................

b) Father's full name: ...............................................................................................

Nationality:..............................................................................................................

13. Siblings—

a) Brothers Name Date of Birth Address Nationality

b) Sisters Name Date of Birth Address Nationality

15. Marital Status: (circle where appropriate)

Never Married Married Divorced Widower

16. If married—

a) Spouse's full name:..............................................................................................

b) Nationality:..........................................................................................................

17. Children Name Date of Birth Address Nationality

18. Grounds for application: (circle the number that applies to your case)

i. Tongan Protected Person Passport Holder

ii. Tongan National Passport Holder

iii. Humanitarian Grounds

19. This section applies only to holders of Tongan Protected Persons Passport or Tongan National Passport:

(a) Type of passport held: (circle where applicable)

Tongan Protected Persons Passport Tongan National Passport

(b) Date of first application for passport:................................................................

(c) If married with children, are they holders of the same type of Passports. (circle where appropriate)

Yes No

(d) Date application approved:................................................................................

(e) Receipt No.:.......................................................................................................

(f) Passport No.:......................................................................................................

(g) Duration during which passport held:

19 – 19

(h) Reasons for application:....................................................................................

20. The following section applies only to applications on humanitarian grounds:

(a) Passports currently held:....................................................................................

(b) Humanitarian grounds on which you wish to base your application on and any other reasons you wish to put forward for consideration: ............................

21. Countries visited:

22. Do you intend to live in Tonga: (circle where appropriate) Yes No

23. If you do not intend to live in Tonga then state your country of proposed domicile: .............................................................................................................

24. If you do intend to reside in Tonga please state destinations you wish to travel to in future:..............................................................................................................

25. References:

a) Full medical report – Medical Practitioner .........................................................

b) Previous convictions – Police report from country of domicile .........................

c) Credit check – Bank managers ...........................................................................

Signature of applicant..................................... Date........................................

Signature of witness.......................................

26. OFFICIAL USE ONLY:

a) Comments by Interviewing Officer:

b) Comments by Processing Officer:

c) Minister's Recommendation:

Schedule 7

Reg. 4

NATURALIZATION REGULATIONS

APPLICATION FEES FOR ALL APPLICATIONS FOR NATURALIZATION UNDER THE NATIONALITY ACT EXCEPT FOR APPLICATIONS UNDER SECTION 8B WHICH ARE SET OUT IN A SEPARATE ADDITIONAL REGULATION HERETO.

Schedule 8

Reg. 8

Form SP 8

CERTIFICATE OF NATURALIZATION

(Nationality Act)

WHEREAS......................................................a citizen of.............................................. desiring to be admitted to Tongan Nationality has applied for a grant of letters of naturalization in the Kingdom of Tonga pursuant to the Nationality Act,

AND WHEREAS the said..........................................................has fulfilled the required conditions for obtaining such grant as set out in the said Nationality Act,

AND WHEREAS His Majesty King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV has on the.........................day of.........................................19................. consented to the grant of letters of naturalization to the said ........................................................................;

AND WHEREAS the said.......................................................has duly taken the Oath of Allegiance,

NOW THEREFORE be it known and it is hereby certified that...................................... is a naturalized Tongan subject and shall, subject to the provisions of the Constitution and the laws of Tonga, be entitled to all the rights and privileges and be subject to all the obligations, liabilities and duties to which a natural born Tongan subject is entitled or subject to.

Done at Nuku‘alofa this .............................day of.....................................19..........under my hand and the seal of the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga.

............................................................................
Prime Minister of Tonga