TONGANS must be 18 before they can marry.
The new Civil Registrations and Digital Identification Act 2025, replacing the country’s previous births, deaths and marriages legislation means people under the age of 18 are no longer permitted to marry under any circumstances.
Previously, Tongan law allowed marriage for people between 15 and 17 with parental consent.
Officials say the new law modernises the country’s civil registration framework while strengthening protections for young people.
“The public is hereby advised that a person younger than 18 years of age cannot marry,” the Registrar General’s Office said in its announcement, adding that the new legislation had immediate effect.
Civil society groups have welcomed the development.
The Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) said the reform reflected years of advocacy aimed at protecting girls from early marriage and ensuring they have greater opportunities for education and independence.
Source: RNZ and PACNEWS