NZ Government Announces a Staged Reopening of the Border

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Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand today announced the Government’s plan to gradually reopen the New Zealand border over the next eight months.

The reopening of the border means that people can begin travelling to New Zealand without having to stay in a Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) facility upon arrival. Instead, they may self-isolate for a set period of time in their chosen environment.

The below table sets out the five steps to reopening the border –

Step Effective date Who
Step 1 28 February 2022 The following people residing in Australia:

  • New Zealand citizens and residents
  • Those who have a valid border exception
  • Those exempt from border restrictions (partners and children of a New Zealand citizen/resident)
Step 2 14 March 2022 The following people residing anywhere in the world:

  • New Zealand citizens and residents
  • Critical workers earning at least $84,240 per year
  • Working Holiday Visa schemes
  • Separated partners and children of highly skilled workers (those earning at least $84,240 per year)
  • Those exempt from border restrictions (partners and children of a New Zealand citizen/resident)
Step 3 13 April 2022 The following people residing anywhere in the world:

  • Temporary visa holders who still meet the requirements under which their visa was granted.
  • 5000 international students
Step 4 04 July 2022 The following people:

  • Any Individual residing in Australia
  • Visitors from visa-waiver countries
  • Accredited Employer Work Visa applicants (from anywhere in the world)
Step 5 October 2022 The following people residing anywhere in the world:

  • All remaining visa categories

While this news is welcomed and signals positive change, it is important to note:

  • Critical workers earning at least $84,240 per year still require a border exception under Step 2.
  • Critical workers earning at least $84,240 per year won’t be eligible for the special one-off residency pathway announced by the Government back in September 2021.
  • Onshore migrant workers who depart New Zealand won’t be able to return without a border exception until 13 April 2022.
  • From 04 July all employers wishing to sponsor a migrant worker must be an accredited employer with Immigration New Zealand.

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