APIA (Samoa Observer/Pacnews) — Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has confirmed that Samoa has begun negotiations with New Zealand and American Samoa on the potential of opening travel bubbles.
Speaking in a press conference on Wednesday, the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi or FAST leader said the start of the negotiations didn’t mean there would be an immediate opening of Samoa’s international borders.
“One significant recommendation to the cabinet was the beginning of negotiations between Samoa and New Zealand, Samoa and American Samoa with regards to the possibility of opening up of borders and travel between the two countries,” Mata’afa said.
She said the travel bubble negotiations are complex as it is not just about what New Zealand and American Samoa want, but also the prevailing conditions in that country and American territory.
“You might have also heard earlier in the week that the New Zealand government made an announcement that their [Recognized Seasonal Employer or] RSE program will restart in September for Samoa, Vanuatu and Tonga and this will be done with a non-quarantine requirement,” she said.
“So this is an indication, I suppose, that can take a lead with these negotiations that our officials here in Samoa will begin with both New Zealand and American Samoa.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her cabinet has made the decision to open up one-way quarantine-free travel to New Zealand from Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu for RSE workers, without having to use the New Zealand government’s managed isolation and quarantine system.
“While there may not be travel from all three immediately, we’re working towards this opening up in September,” Prime Minister Ardern said.
Fiame Naomi Mata’afa
