Nuku’alofa, Tonga — The Kingdom of Tonga has taken a major step in enhancing its border security
by officially launching the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) as its new Border
Management Information System (BMIS). This cutting-edge system, which went live on 26 October
2024, successfully replaced the previous platform, marking a new era of security and efficiency in
border management for Tonga.
The deployment of MIDAS is supported by the 2 complementing projects funded by the IOM
Development Fund and the Government of Japan, both contributing to improved border management
capacity to promote safe, effective and orderly migration.
Developed and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), MIDAS equips
Tonga with a powerful, real-time solution for monitoring and managing cross-border movement,
significantly strengthening the country’s ability to swiftly process arrival and departure movements,
and to detect and prevent human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and other security risks.
The system’s smooth installation and performance were achieved through the dedication of Tonga’s
Immigration and Customs officers, who adapted quickly to the new technology thanks to the
thorough trainings delivered jointly by IOM and Vanuatu immigration officials. Vanuatu launched
MIDAS earlier this year and is joining forces to build the capacity of Tongan officers, which showcases
the intra-regional, Pacific to Pacific collaborations to enhance the region’s border management
capacity.
To mark a significant milestone in Tonga’s border management progress, the official handover event
was organized on 30 October 2024, bringing together relevant stakeholders and frontline official. At
the event, MIDAS workstations, mobile kits and other associated items were officially handed over
from IOM to the Government of Tonga. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its relevant stakeholders
are fully committed to mainstreaming and executing the MIDAS project, which serves to advance our
national interests, in border security and facilitation of the movement of people in our border”, said
The Hon. Samiu Vaipulu, Deputy Prime Minister.
“We congratulate Tonga on this significant achievement in enhancing border security and stand ready
to provide ongoing support to ensure that MIDAS as the new border management information system
will provide further advancements to immigration services for Tonga”, said Solomon Kantha, Chief of
Mission for IOM’s coordination office in Fiji.
