When Covid-19 remains unabated, students are frustrated, and people are restless, the New Zealand Government has taken steps to bring partial relief for the international students.
2020 is a challenging year for millions of people across the globe. People don’t know if they will survive this year. Students are worried about their uncertain future. So, the situation is grave.
Despite all the upsetting news, the New Zealand Government has announced that it will allow 250 postgraduate and PhD international students to enter the country. If everything goes as per the plan, the students will arrive in a beautiful country next month (November), announced by the country’s education minister Chris Hipkins on 12 October.
“NZ Government Opened a New Category that Allows 250 International Students to Enter in New Zealand”
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The New Zealand Government Acts Wise and Takes Prudent Steps
The Education Minister Chip Hipkins recently issued a public statement over this issue on Monday. He said that the government is making a balanced decision as they understand the value of international students for the growth and development of a country. They have realized that international students help to boost the economy of New Zealand in a big way.
Covid-19 is an undeniable truth of our country. It is here to stay if people are not careful, and they do not follow the social distancing protocols. As such, many countries are in a dilemma. Most countries have imposed severe international travel restrictions, which has kept all the students stranded in various places. Many countries had made this decision for public safety. But their precautionary steps are affecting the economy as well as the innocent international students.
Almost seven to eight months have passed. Many countries are opening their gates for international students. New Zealand is one of them. The government’s new decision will help international postgraduate and Ph.D. students to come back to their place of study and finish their course.
The New Zealand government’s new decision will be beneficial for both the government and international students. That is why the New Zealand Education Minister called it a balanced decision.
Read More: New International Students May Be Eligible to Study Offshore in New Zealand
Who Can Enter New Zealand?
The New Zealand government is not allowing all international students to come back to the country. They are only permitting students who already have a visa for 2020. Somehow, they could not enter the country due to the pandemic.
The New Zealand government will give priority to those international students who cannot start their studies online. The government will prefer students who need to be in New Zealand to do practical assignments, research, and study.
The first batch of international students will come in the next month. However, the majority of the students will come in early 2021.
What Kind of Precautionary Measures Will Be There for International Students?
The government is taking all measures for public safety. And this is essential when doctors are expecting a second wave of CoronaVirus. First of all, international students will have to stay in quarantine for 14 days. And the government will not pay a single penny for that. International students will have to bear the entire cost.
International students might be offended by the New Zealand government’s stance on this issue. But they cannot express their resentment openly. The government is giving them a chance to study in the country on their terms. Now, it is up to international students. They have to think and make a decision. The government will not spend extra money on international students when its economy is crippled. And they will take care of public safety too. They will not put the health of New Zealand residents at risk.
The New Zealand government’s new decision will also ensure that only students who do not have any other choice will come.
Read More: New Zealand: International Students Have Risk of Losing Their Visas
How Many International Students Are Coming to New Zealand?
It is interesting to notice that the New Zealand government does not allow all international students to arrive in the country. They are allowing only a small number of students to come into the country. The number is two hundred and fifty. It is a small number in comparison to the number of international students that used to go to New Zealand for higher studies.
The Education Minister said that he is aware of the schools’ frightful condition and private training establishments. He knows that many international education providers will not be happy with the government’s decision. The private schools and colleges are also affected due to the pandemic. They also want to welcome back international students again and improve their financial health. But the government has not yet given any green signal.
The Education Minister said that they made a practical decision. They have to manage the quarantine facility. Plus, they have to bring back international students with extreme care and diligence. International travel is not like how it was before.
Some Universities have understood why the government has made this decision. They are with the government regarding this issue. They said that it makes sense to bring back international students who have already committed to pursuing higher studies in New Zealand. They should come back to the country first. However, they are hopeful that other overseas students will also get a chance to enter the country soon. They look forward to the time when all international students can come back to the country and study like before.
The New Zealand government has not yet made any final decision on this matter. They will allow all international students to arrive in the country when it is safe and secure. The government wants to progress with caution. One wrong step will prove costly for the country.
Read More: New Zealand Universities Considering to Bring International Students Back to its Campuses
Conclusion
The New Zealand government has allowed ten thousand and four hundred people to enter the country. It includes both citizens and noncitizens of the country. The government has permitted critical workers and health professionals to enter the country for essential services. They have also allowed citizens to come back to the country. As far as international students are concerned, the New Zealand government is acting with caution. They do not have any other choice. Do they?
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