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Opposition politicians questioned why the billionaire’s application was quickly approved when others were denied due to the pandemic.
Official confirmation that Google co-founder Larry Page has obtained the right of abode in New Zealand, which has sparked a debate about whether extremely wealthy people can buy into the South Pacific countries.
The New Zealand Immigration Service said that Page first applied for residency under a special visa in November, which is open to people who invest at least 10 million New Zealand dollars (7 million U.S. dollars).
The agency said in a statement on Friday: “Because he was overseas at the time, his application could not be processed due to COVID-19 restrictions.” “After Mr. Page entered New Zealand, his application was able to be processed, and Approved on February 4, 2021.”
New Zealand politicians confirmed that Page and his son arrived in New Zealand for the first time in January, after his family submitted an emergency application requesting his son to be evacuated from Fiji due to a medical emergency.
Health Minister Andrew Little told lawmakers in Parliament: “On the second day after receiving the application, a New Zealand air ambulance escorted by a New Zealand ICU nurse delivered the child and an adult family member from Fiji. new Zealand.”
When New Zealand closed its borders to non-residents to stop the spread of the coronavirus, few people answered how Page managed to enter the country.
Little told politicians that when they arrived, the family had complied with the applicable virus protocol.
About three weeks later, Page’s residency application was approved.
Obtaining a New Zealand residency will not necessarily affect Page’s residency status in the United States or any other country.
The New Zealand Immigration Service pointed out that although Page became a resident, he did not have permanent residency status and was still subject to certain restrictions.
Despite this, the agency touts the “Investor Plus” visa on its website as a “New Zealand lifestyle”, adding that “you can bring your car, boat and household items to New Zealand without customs fees.”
Some local news organizations reported that Page has left New Zealand.
Google did not immediately comment.
Forbes listed Page as the sixth richest person in the world on Friday, with a fortune of US$117 billion. Forbes pointed out that Page resigned as CEO of Google’s parent company Alphabet in 2019, but remains a board member and controlling shareholder.
Opposition politicians said that this incident has raised questions about why Page was approved so quickly when many skilled workers or separated family members who were eager to enter New Zealand were turned away.
ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden said in a statement: “The government is sending a message that money is more important than doctors, fruit pickers, and separated families with children.”
In 2017, Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel obtained New Zealand citizenship six years ago, even though he had never lived in New Zealand. After a top politician thought his entrepreneurial skills and philanthropy were valuable to the country, Teal was approved.
Thiel didn’t even have to leave California to attend the ceremony—he obtained citizenship in a private ceremony held at the New Zealand Consulate in Santa Monica.
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