The news of India being removed from the Covid-19 high-risk countries list has brought happiness and relief to the Kiwi Indian community.
It was long due and finally now NZ residents, Permanent residents, aswell as other eligible travellers, will be able to travel directly to NZ without having to spend 14 days in a green zone country.
Muktesh K. Pardeshi, the High Commissioner of India to New Zealand is also delighted by the news. Talking to the Indian Weekender, Mr Pardeshi expressed his happiness and said, “It is heartening to note that New Zealand is going to adopt a phased approach to reconnect with the world. It is satisfying to learn that India will be removed from the list of very high-risk classification from early December paving the way for the resumption of travel between the two countries. We have been highlighting to the New Zealand authorities the improvement in the Covid19 situation in India in robust progress in our national vaccination drive.”
The High Commissioner further revealed that he is hoping that the issues of those stranded would be addressed, “I would also like to welcome the decision of New Zealand authorities a few days back to include Covishield and Covaxin in the approved list of vaccines for travel purposes."
“I also hope that the issue surrounding the stranded people in India who were living in New Zealand before the current border settings were put in place will also be addressed soon. Their lives have been full of miseries and painful separations. Overall, it is a welcome move made by the New Zealand government to reconnect to the world.”