WELLINGTON, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand will allow recognized seasonal employer (RSE) workers from Vanuatu, Samoa and Tonga to arrive into the country without COVID-19 quarantine upon their arrivals in October.
Agricultural Minister Damien O'Connor on Monday announced the one-way quarantine free travel commencement dates for seasonal workers from Pacific countries including Vanuatu, Samoa and Tonga.
Starting from Oct. 4 for Vanuatu workers and Oct. 12 for Samoan and Tongan workers, the move is considered a part of New Zealand's program of reconnecting with the world.
"This will provide much needed certainty for our growers as they gear up for summer and autumn harvesting," O'Connor said in a statement.
People arriving under the scheme must meet strict health conditions. These include requirements to be vaccinated with at least one dose pre-departure, complete a period of self-isolation on arrival and return negative COVID-19 tests at Day 0 and Day 5. Employers will be providing the self-isolation facilities, he said.
They must also complete their vaccination post-arrival, the minister said.
"Despite the challenges of a COVID world, which has constrained the number of RSE workers who could come through Managed Isolation and Quarantine, the government has remained committed to the RSE scheme," he said.
The horticulture sector is worth over 6 billion NZ dollars (4.2 billion U.S. dollars) to New Zealand's exports, the minister said, adding RSE workers are essential to the economic recovery from COVID-19, which is export-led.
The pilot scheme is to test systems in preparation for "a broader and safe reopening of the borders," O'Connor said.
Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu have not had any community cases of COVID-19, according to the minister.
Up to 14,400 RSE workers normally come through New Zealand each year, with approximately 10,500 being in the country at peak harvesting times pre-COVID.
As of August 2021 around 7,000 RSE workers were in New Zealand, statistics show. Enditem