NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad. [File Photo]

The National Federation Party believes it is time for the government to ask Australia and New Zealand for their support in allowing a progressive re-opening of our borders for tourism.

This comes as New Zealand today announced that passengers from the Cook Islands can resume quarantine-free travel into New Zealand from January 21.

NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad says Fiji urgently needs a “bubble” with New Zealand, expanding to Australia when their COVID-19 outbreak is under control.

Prasad says Europe, the United States and Asia continue to struggle with their “second waves” and even after their vaccination campaigns are over, it will take many months for them to become COVID-free.

He believes as sources for tourists to Fiji, Australia and NZ will be closed to us for the next 12 months or maybe longer.

Prasad adds as our tourism-starved economy spirals downwards, we must ask Australia and New Zealand for more help.

The NFP Leader further highlighted that Fiji may also need to ask New Zealand to help with border control and testing.

He says that we understand that NZ must be confident that Fiji is secure and safe for its citizens.