WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Google co-founder Larry Web page has gained New Zealand residency, officers confirmed Friday, stoking debate over whether or not extraordinarily rich folks can primarily purchase entry to the South Pacific nation.

Immigration New Zealand stated Web page first utilized for residency in November underneath a particular visa open to folks with a minimum of 10 million New Zealand {dollars} ($7 million) to speculate.

“As he was offshore on the time, his utility was not capable of be processed due to COVID-19 restrictions,” the company stated in a press release. “As soon as Mr. Web page entered New Zealand, his utility was capable of be processed and it was authorized on four February 2021.”

Gaining New Zealand residency wouldn’t essentially have an effect on Web page’s residency standing within the U.S. or another nations.

New Zealand lawmakers confirmed that Web page and his son first arrived in New Zealand in January after the household filed an pressing utility for the son to be evacuated from Fiji as a result of a medical emergency.

“The day after the appliance was acquired, a New Zealand air ambulance staffed by a New Zealand ICU nurse-escort medevaced the kid and an grownup member of the family from Fiji to New Zealand,” Well being Minister Andrew Little advised lawmakers in Parliament.

Little was responding to questions on how Web page had managed to enter the nation at a time when New Zealand had shut its borders to non-residents in an try and cease the unfold of the coronavirus.

Little advised lawmakers the household had abided by relevant virus protocols after they arrived.

Web page’s residency utility was authorized about three weeks later.

Immigration New Zealand famous that whereas Web page had grow to be a resident, he did not have everlasting residency standing and remained topic to sure restrictions.

Nonetheless, the company on its web site touts the “Investor Plus” visa as providing a “New Zealand life-style,” including that “you might be able to carry your automotive, boat and home items to New Zealand, freed from customs prices.”

Some native information organizations reported that Web page had since left New Zealand.

Google didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.

Forbes on Friday ranked Web page because the world’s sixth-wealthiest particular person, with a fortune of $117 billion. Forbes famous that Web page stepped down as chief government of Google’s father or mother firm Alphabet in 2019 however remained a board member and controlling shareholder.

Opposition lawmakers stated the episode raised questions on why Web page was authorized so shortly at a time when many expert staff or separated relations who have been determined to enter New Zealand have been being turned away.

“The federal government is sending a message that cash is extra vital than docs, fruit pickers and households who’re separated from their youngsters,” ACT deputy chief Brooke van Velden stated in a press release.

In 2017, it emerged that Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel had been capable of achieve New Zealand citizenship six years earlier, regardless of by no means having lived within the nation. Thiel was authorized after a high lawmaker determined his entrepreneurial expertise and philanthropy have been precious to the nation.

Thiel didn’t even have to depart California for the ceremony — he was granted citizenship throughout a personal ceremony held on the New Zealand Consulate in Santa Monica.