New Zealand's Covid Timeline

On March 2020 New Zealand announced a complete lockdown. All borders were closed in order to keep the Covid-19 virus from entering our country.

Follow our Covid Timeline to see how New Zealand is gradually re-opening its borders.

January 2022

December 2021

November 2021

October 2021

  • Government offers one-off visa to fast-track skilled migrant residency.
  • Thousands of migrant workers stuck in visa limbo will soon have the chance to apply for fast-tracked residency.

September 2021

  • New Zealand went into level 4 lockdown after one Covid case was detected in the community.

Re opening of border: Next Steps from NZ Government

August 2021

  • Finally! After almost 18 months of living in fortress New Zealand, the Government has released a road map for reconnecting to the rest of the globe.
  • A new border exemption system will kick in from early 2022.

July 2021

  • 300 border exemptions for qualified teachers announced
  • 100 border exemptions for refugees, renewing every six weeks

June 2021

  • 200 border exemptions for dairy workers and vets announced
  • 300 border exemptions for recognised seasonal workers, renewing every month

May 2021

  • Borders open to Rarotonga
  • Border exemptions for high net worth Investors announced

April 2021

  • Borders open to Australia
  • Border exemptions for families of onshore migrants to reunite announced

March 2021

  • More than 1000 foreigners have been cleared to enter Aotearoa to attend the 36th America's Cup

February 2021

  • Immigration NZ announces Approval in Principal (AIP) decisions on Investor applications to continue

January 2021

  • 1000 border exemptions  for international students announced (to arrive from March)

December 2020

  • 2000 border exemptions for workers in the horticulture industry announced

October 2020

  • General border exemptions for temporary work visa holders who have a strong ongoing connection with New Zealand announced

June 2020

  • 7000 exemptions made under new 'Critical Worker' Category; allows critical migrant workers with skills not available in NZ, across the border

May 2020

  • Border exemptions for International film crews to arrive in New Zealand

April 2020

  • Critical Health Worker and Other Critical Worker Exemptions announced, to allow those working in health, and those with 'unique experience, and technical or specialist skills not obtainable at all in NZ' into the country

March 2020

  • New Zealand announces a complete lockdown. All borders are closed.

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At first, Maj kindly explained the whole process and what to expect. I was coached and introduced to New Zealand job market by their Job Search team, and getting assistance until I got a job in the country. The Visa team would also follow me up on my pending documents, so I never felt left out. Truly recommended for those seeking out an option to live in New Zealand. Big thanks from me and my whole family for things NZIC did for us..!

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