New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Wednesday that the country’s international borders will reopen completely at 11:59 p.m. on July 31, with cruise ships returning to local ports on the same day.

The border’s opening in late July is two months ahead of the government’s previous schedule, allowing visa-required travellers to enter New Zealand sooner.

Opening the borders, Ardern said at a Business NZ lunch in Auckland, would assist in alleviating acute skills shortages, opening up tourism, and placing immigration policies on a more secure footing.

“We are building on our proven plan to secure New Zealand’s economic future,” Ardern added.

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