Wellington, May 11 (BNA) New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Wednesday that the country will fully reopen its international borders from 11:59 pm on July 31, with cruise ships welcoming again at domestic ports on the same day.
Reuters reports that the opening of the border at the end of July is two months ahead of the government’s previous timeframe, and will mean that visitors who need visas will now be able to come to New Zealand.
Opening the borders will help alleviate urgent skills shortages, open up tourism and put immigration settings on a safer footing, Ardern said in a speech to New Zealand’s working lunch in Auckland.
“We are building on our proven plan to secure New Zealand’s economic future,” Ardern said.
MI