The purpose of this study is to examine socio-cultural aspects of international migration from Tonga and its impact based on the behavioral approach, which has thus far been neglected in existing literature associated with the country's migration. An interview and questionnaire survey of 150 households from the three island groups in Tonga was conducted. As a result, the following findings were obtained. Household size has recently decreased due to transformation from the extended family to the nuclear family and emigration from Tonga. Consequently, the number of migrants per household is larger than before. The individual or nuclear family rather than the extended family plays a greater role in migration decision making now. With respect to the reason for migration, an increasing motivation to migrate for study abroad since the 1990s is remarkable. Reliance on remittance is not significant partially due to the increase in student migration. Furthermore, there is an obvious tendency for migrants to marry persons with Tongan nationality, and, thus, they are quite likely to settle in their host countries and not return to Tonga.
This study sought to shed light on the experiences of Tongan immigrants in New Zealand. Three major areas were explored: the migration decision-making process, socio-economic changes in the host country, and transnational networks with Tonga. With respect to migration decision-making, the nuclear family plays an important role as the final decision-making unit. Family-related reasons, jobs, and study were the typical reasons for migration to New Zealand. Regarding socio-economic changes, the immigrants' income tends to increase as their duration of stay in New Zealand lengthens. Most of them work at blue-collar jobs. Many immigrants who were unmarried at the time of migration married after moving to New Zealand, mostly to other Tongans. The church serves as a critical support system for the immigrants. Tongans tend to prefer permanent residency visas over New Zealand citizenship. Remittances continue to play an important role in immigrants' links to Tonga, as do communication with family members and visits to Tonga. Despite these continuing links with their home country, most of the immigrants do not wish to return to Tonga permanently.
Abstract:This study examines the migration experiences of Tongan students and households in Fiji based on two separate surveys. The major findings obtained are summarized as follows.The student survey results elucidate that the decision to migrate for a university education was made on an individual basis, while the role of family and friends in disseminating information about the institution was conspicuous.The destination choice for university was influenced by the availability of scholarships for studying in Fiji. While a majority of students expect to return to Tonga to resume or find employment after completion of their studies, some also anticipated pursuing future graduate studies.The household survey findings confirm the important role of the nuclear family in decision making and reasons for migration while employers funded the migration expenses for most of the individuals.Their highest university degrees were acquired since the 1990s mainly from Fiji and Australian universities.A considerable portion of them are involved in such skilled occupations as education and administrative jobs at major institutions of the South Pacific region, mainly due to their higher educational attainment and work experience prior to migration to Fiji. As a result, they tended to have higher incomes.
Many studies on Tongan immigration have focused on Tongans in New Zealand, Australia and the United States, which are the primary destinations of Tongan migrants. This research note reports the findings of a survey of Tongans in Japan. The small community of Tongans in Japan consists of those who came to Japan as marriage migrants, rugby players and students. The research note sheds light on respondents' migration background, transnational practices and future migration/permanent plans. Of the three groups, marriage migrants tend to view Japan as their home while rugby players and students are more likely to engage in transnational practices.
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