NEW ZEALAND BORDER REOPENING IN STAGES FROM FEBRUARY 2022

COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins and Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi have announced that the New Zealand border will gradually begin the reopening process from February 27 2022. The plan will be completed in five stages, and will prioritise New Zealanders and key visa holders to address current worker shortages.

People who the border is open to will not need to stay in MIQ. Instead, self-isolation and testing upon arrival will be required. More details will be provided in future as the plan progresses. The five stages are outlined below.

STAGE 1
27 February 2022 - 11:59pm
The border will open to New Zealanders and other eligible travellers from Australia.

STAGE 2
13 March 2022 - 11:59pm
The border will open to New Zealanders and other eligible travellers from the rest of the world. The border will also open to skilled workers earning at least 1.5 times the median wage, and Working Holiday Scheme visas.

STAGE 3
12 April 2022 - 11:59pm
The border will open to offshore temporary visa holders, who can still meet the relevant visa requirements. The border will also open to up to 5000 international students for semester two, Further exceptions will be considered for critical workforces that do not meet the '1.5 times the median wage' test.

STAGE 4
July 2022
The border will open to anyone from Australia. The border will also open for visa-waiver travel. The Accredited Employer Work Visa will then open, allowing the skilled and health worker border exception to be phased out.

STAGE 5
October 2022
The border will fully reopen to visitors from anywhere in the world, and all visa categories fully reopen as well.

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If you are currently outside of New Zealand, and not sure which stage you are eligible for, feel free to get in touch. BK Immigration Law is able to provide any legal assistance you may require.