10 Sep 2020

Employers and Manufacturers Association on loosened border restrictions

From Morning Report, 7:23 am on 10 September 2020

A loosening of New Zealand's border has been welcomed by business advocates.

Yesterday the Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced, from next month, those who can demonstrate a strong and ongoing connection to New Zealand will be eligible to return, with their partners and dependent children.

There will also be a new border exception for some temporary work visa holders who have been unable to enter the country.

They have had to wait while New Zealand citizens and permanent residents took priority.

Alan McDonald from the Employers and Manufacturers Association says the entry of specialist workers will reinvigorate stalled businesses and projects.