ZB ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Three tourists up for deportation for failing to self-isolate

Author
Kurt Bayer, NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Tue, 17 Mar 2020, 5:11PM
One tourist checked into a backpackers in Christchurch. (Photo / Getty)
One tourist checked into a backpackers in Christchurch. (Photo / Getty)

Three tourists up for deportation for failing to self-isolate

Author
Kurt Bayer, NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Tue, 17 Mar 2020, 5:11PM

Two people who arrived in New Zealand from South East Asia and failed to self-isolate will be kicked out of the country.

The pair had put New Zealanders at risk and were being removed from the country, Immigration NZ said.

INZ compliance and verification general manager Stephen Vaughan said the tourists' behaviour was "completely irresponsible".

"This kind of behaviour is completely irresponsible and will not be tolerated which is why these individuals have been made liable for deportation," he said.

"They are currently being quarantined. If they fail to depart after quarantine, they will be arrested and detained under the Immigration Act.

The New Zealand Government's travel restrictions, which took effect at 1am Monday, require all international travellers arriving in this country to self-isolate for 14 days. Only people arriving from the Pacific are exempt.

"Being deported has serious consequences. It means individuals will be banned from returning to New Zealand for a period of time and they may also find it difficult to travel to other countries."

Vaughan said the Government's travel restrictions and requirements to self-isolate would help save lives.

"It is important that all travellers to New Zealand abide with those requirements.

"New Zealand is going hard, and going early, to do everything it can to protect New Zealand from COVID-19 and INZ is committed to doing all it can to help protect New Zealand during this uncertain time."

Tourist escorted by police from backpackers

Meanwhile a third tourist who arrived in New Zealand yesterday is also facing deportation after officials found she had no clear plans to self-isolate amid escalating coronavirus fears.

The woman checked in to Rucksacker backpackers hostel in Christchurch last night wearing a face mask.

She did not show any flu symptoms nor had she mixed with other hostel residents, it's understood.

The hostel manager, who asked not to be named, said the woman, who was apparently travelling on her own for a fortnight trip and had a pre-existing booking, was checked in to a private room.

 

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you