New Delhi: The New Zealand government has announced that it will be reopening its borders to citizens and visitors beginning from the end of February.


New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that fully vaccinated New Zealanders from Australia will be the first to enter the country as they reopen their borders after nearly two years.


It is going to be the first time since 2020 that the country is reopening its borders. The plans for reopening the border were postponed earlier due to the threats posed by the Omicron variant.


Talking about this, the PM said in a speech in Auckland on Thursday, “Opening back up in this managed way balances inflows of travellers so people can reunite and fill our workforce shortages, while also ensuring our healthcare system can manage an increase in cases.” 


Keeping in mind the threats that Covid-19 brought with it, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had announced a snap closure of the country’s border back in 2020. Its borders have been shut for nearly two years now, excluding the short-lived travel bubble with neighbouring Australia.


The country will welcome back its citizens and visitors from other countries following a 5-Step Plan.


According to a BBC report, full vaccinated New Zealanders from Australia will be the first ones to return home starting 27th February onwards.


The government will also allow 5000 international students to enter New Zealand from April 2022 along with other eligible temporary visa holders.


Post which the borders will welcome Australians and other travellers who do not require a visa to enter the country. Additionally, normal visa processing will resume from October, as shared by The Guardian.


The government also shared that those coming back will have to self-isolate at home for 10 days and will no longer be required to go through MIQ.


MIQ are New Zealand’s managed isolation facilities that are highly expensive and space limited and forced many Kiwis from coming back home.


BBC reports that New Zealand has only reported 53 deaths and about 17,000 Covid cases which is quite low as compared to the rest of the world.