'Quarantine Regulation Eased' New Zealand, 'Kiwis' Are Back

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] As New Zealand has significantly eased COVID-19 related quarantine regulations since March, New Zealanders staying abroad are rapidly returning to their home country.

On the 11th (local time), Bloomberg News cited the New Zealand Statistics Department's announcement, reporting that overseas arrivals in March this year reached 28,600, a 517% increase from 4,640 a year earlier. This is the highest number since New Zealand signed a quarantine-free travel agreement with Australia in July last year amid concerns over the spread of COVID-19 infections.

The increase was attributed by the news agency to New Zealanders, commonly called 'Kiwis,' returning from various countries around the world.

From the end of February, New Zealanders were able to return from Australia without staying in government-managed quarantine facilities, and this was extended to other countries starting March 13.

According to the Statistics Department, over 75% of arrivals in March said they came to visit friends and relatives, while only 889 said their purpose was vacation.

Previously, New Zealand had firmly blocked foreign nationals from entering to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In March 2020, during the early stages of the outbreak, the country completely closed its borders and imposed a strict national lockdown, including stay-at-home orders.

However, New Zealand plans to fully open its borders from the end of July. On this day, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that from 11:59 PM on July 31, the borders will be fully opened, allowing nationals from countries requiring visas to enter New Zealand. South Korea is included among the countries that can visit New Zealand without a visa, and these 60 or so countries will be able to enter starting in May.