New Zealand will fully open its borders in August

This content was published on May 11, 2022 – 08:10
11 May 2022 – 08:10

(AFP)

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Wednesday that New Zealand, one of the strictest Covid-19 border controls, will fully reopen to the world in August.

Beginning at 11:59 p.m. on July 31, Ardern said border security will be completely removed and pre-departure screening will be canceled.

“New Zealand is now fully open for business.”

The restrictions before March 2020 were praised at the time and allowed New Zealand to have one of the lowest Covid death rates among industrialized countries.

However, there were those who criticized them for being inflexible and ruthless and for slowing down the economy.

During most of the epidemic, those arriving from abroad had to be quarantined for two weeks in government hotels guarded by the military.

Such restrictions were lifted for New Zealand residents and travelers from countries that do not require an entry visa. The rest of the world was told to wait until October.

But Ardern announced at a business meeting in Auckland that the date had been moved back by more than two months as part of a series of announcements to shore up the economy, particularly the tourism sector.

“This is good news for families, businesses and our migrant communities. It also provides spring and summer security and preparation for airlines and travel companies planning to return to New Zealand in time,” he said.

The country received 3.9 million international visitors in 2019, making tourism its main foreign exchange earner of over $10.9 billion annually.

Ardern announced major changes to immigration rules to attract workers from losing sectors such as engineering, healthcare and information technology.