20 May 2015

Tonga Parliament debates helping overstayers in NZ

10:18 am on 20 May 2015

The Speaker of Tonga's Parliament, Lord Tu'ivakano, has told the house to find ways to help Tongans staying in New Zealand illegally, after a group of them wrote to the parliament seeking assistance.

Tonga's flag

Tonga's flag Photo: RNZ

Radio Tonga reports the Infrastructure Minister, Etuate Lavulavu, telling parliament that Tongans in New Zealand are in need of assistance.

Another MP, Penisimani Fifita, says Tonga should do something about the issue because it's clear these people need help, as some have been abused by employers and are also not paid well.

But another MP, Lord Tu'i'afitu, says Parliament shouldn't interfere in foreign immigration acts.

He says it should be addressed in Cabinet with the Prime Minister.