After remaining closed for almost two years, the New Zealand border is set to reopen for visitors. New Zealand will be reopening its borders for the first time since 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic had gripped the entire world. By Karan Kaushik
The borders will be reopened in different stages. According to media reports, under the first phase, New Zealanders, who have been stuck in Australia, will finally be able to go back to their country from February 27. They will not be required to quarantine in government-managed facilities. The next phase will start after a two-week gap from the first phase and allow New Zealanders from other parts of the world to return home.
New Zealand to open its borders for the first time since 2020. Here are the details!
From 28 February 2022, fully-vaccinated New Zealanders and eligible travellers living in Australia, will be able to visit or return to New Zealand without staying in MIQ. pic.twitter.com/40Fm5sTfgd
— Unite against COVID-19 (@covid19nz) February 2, 2022
Similarly, New Zealand will also permit skilled workers and vaccinated foreigners to enter its borders from March 13. In the next phase, which will begin on April 12, 5,000 international students will be permitted to enter New Zealand.
According to a report published in the Times of India, the Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Arden has said that the country will reopen its borders for tourists from Australia and visa-free countries from July. Tourists from other parts of the world will only be permitted to enter the country from October. Arden added that even though the country will allow tourists, they will still be required to self-isolate for 10 days.
According to Jarden, the reopening in phases is aimed at reuniting people and putting an end to the existing problem of workforce shortage in the country. It will also allow the healthcare system of New Zealand to deal with the expected surge in COVID-19 cases.
The report added that Jarden’s strategy regarding the Omicron variant of the deadly virus is targeted at slowing the spread. Reopening the borders in different phases is a strategy that will help in doing the same.
The Omicron variant is highly contagious and has gripped the entire world. New Zealand has also been hit by the variant. As per the latest data released by the Ministry of Health, Government of New Zealand, the total number of active cases in the last 21 days stands at 2707 cases.
Related: Philippines Is Set To Reopen For Fully Vaccinated Tourists
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