PM Jacinda Ardern confirms full opening two months earlier than previous expectations.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has today announced a “major package of reforms” including the early reopening of the country’s border – including its maritime border – and a simplification of immigration settings.
She said the moves aimed to address immediate skill shortages in NZ, as well as speed up the country’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective from 11.59pm on 31 July cruise ships will be able to return, along with the full resumption of international education, and the reopening of online visitor visa applications to Pacific Island Forum countries (excluding Australia) from 16 May.
New wage agreements covering seasonal snow and adventure tourism sectors will also provide for a “short-term or ongoing need for access to lower-paid migrants,” Ardern said.
More details in today’s issue of Travel Daily.