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Wellington (AFP) – New Zealand said on Wednesday it would maintain strong restrictions on the entry of foreign travelers for at least another five months, despite the gradual easing of some of the world’s strict border controls due to the epidemic.
Christ Hipkins, the minister in charge of Govt-19, pointed out that his citizens in Australia could return in mid-January and that a month later, New Zealanders could do so elsewhere.
But according to the reopening plan released this Wednesday, foreigners will have to wait until the end of April to openly enter this maritime country.
“We recognize that this is difficult, but the end of strict travel restrictions is now in view,” Hipkins said.
New Zealand closed its borders in March last year, banning almost all visits except for the rare event of staying in a secluded hotel for two weeks, which was recently reduced to seven days.
Over time the frustration of New Zealanders living abroad grew and there was pressure against the government to relax these restrictions.
© 2021 AFP
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