New Zealand to reopen borders starting February 27

According to recent statement by Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins and Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi, the reopening strategy’s stages in the next three months aim to boost economic growth and jobs across the country.

Vaccinated New Zealanders coming from Australia will be allowed entrance starting the end of this month, while international tourists will be able to travel here starting March 13.

Minister Chris Hipkins explained:

“This is a very carefully developed plan that replaces MIQ for the vast majority of travellers while ensuring we maintain ongoing measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in our community from recent arrivals. With 94 percent of our population fully vaccinated, and 92 percent of those over 18 now eligible for a booster by the end of February it’s time to shift gears in our Covid-19 response to focus on reconnection and recovery.

“By reducing the gap to get boosted to three months we’re ensuring we reach our highest possible boosted rates before fully reopening. By the time we start to reopen our border, we’ll be one of the most vaccinated and most boosted countries in the world and the Covid-19 Protection Framework will be well established in helping to manage Covid outbreaks.

“Our plan has built in protections to help manage risks such as future variants. A phased approach to reopening reduces the risk of a surge of cases, while prioritising the return of New Zealanders and much needed entry of skilled workers.

“Having MIQ for every traveller was a temporary setting for when none of us had protection. New Zealanders need to reconnect with one another. Families and friends need to reunite. Our businesses need skills to grow. Exporters need to travel to make new connections.”

Step 1 will begin on February 27 and will welcome New Zealanders and eligible tourists from Australia.
Step 2 is scheduled on March 13, with borders opened for international travel, including workers, under specific Covid-19 vaccination regulations.
April 12 marks the date when temporary visa travellers, such as students and special working categories, will be allowed to enter New Zealand.
In July, the Accredited Employer Work Visa program will also reopen.
And finally, October will be the month that anyone will be able to visit the country, with all visa categories back for all travellers.

However, in order to address Covid-19 prevention, travellers will be provided antigen tests at their arrival, In addition, the self-isolation policy for suspected cases will not be yet changed.

“This plan represents a significant step forward in addressing skills and labour shortages and accelerates our economic recovery. Reopening of the border to a range of visa holders is a critical part in our plan to rebuild from Covid”, added Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi.

 

sources: beehive.govt.nz, fctgtravelnews.com