Topline
Google co-founder and billionaire Larry Page is a New Zealand resident, government officials in the country confirmed on Friday, following reports that he had visited the country earlier this year for his son’s medical treatment despite stringent Covid-19 restrictions and a closed border.
Google co-founder Larry Page is reportedly spending the Covid-19 pandemic in Fiji.
Key Facts
According to local news outlet Stuff, which received government confirmation, Page entered New Zealand earlier this year—while its border was still closed for foreign visitors due to the pandemic—to accompany his son who needed medical treatment.
The billionaire’s son fell ill in neighboring Fiji and had to be airlifted to a hospital in Auckland for his treatment.
Immigration New Zealand said Page first applied for residency in November 2020 under a special visa for people who are willing to invest $7 million (NZ$ 10 million) in the country over a three-year period, the Associated Press reported.
Page and his family then filed an urgent application for the son to be evacuated from Fiji in January due to a medical emergency which was approved by New Zealand authorities, New Zealand lawmaker Andrew Little told the country’s parliament.
The handling of Page’s entry into New Zealand has raised questions about special immigration privileges for the wealthy while the borders are shut during the pandemic and stoked debate about the ability of rich individuals to essentially buy residency status in the country.
Little told other lawmakers that Page and his family had followed all Covid protocols when they arrived but noted that his residency was approved only three weeks after his arrival.
Forbes has reached out to Google and its parent company Alphabet for a comment on the issue.
Crucial Quote
When questioned about Page’s entry into the country, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters the decision was made by clinical staff and not politicians: “With all (medevac) cases, those are decisions for clinicians, and I absolutely trust our clinicians to make decisions.”
Chief Critic
Brooke van Velden, the deputy leader of ACT, one of the country’s opposition parties, criticized the government’s handling of the issue, stating: “The government is sending a message that money is more important than doctors, fruit pickers and families who are separated from their children.”
Key Background
The reclusive billionaire has reportedly been living in Fiji during the Covid-19 pandemic and left New Zealand following the treatment of his child, Stuff reported, citing a New Zealand businessman close to Page. Responding to the controversy over wealthy individuals being able to buy special access into the country, Immigration New Zealand said that Page’s residency remained subject to certain restrictions and was not permanent. According to the agency’s website, people who are granted an Investor 1 visa can come to New Zealand with their family “and enjoy our unique lifestyle.” The page also notes the length of stay allowed under the visa is indefinite and touts “you may be able to bring your car, boat and household items to New Zealand, free of customs charges.” Although it is unclear if this is the visa under which Page was granted residency.
Big Number
$116.5 billion. That is Larry Page’s total net worth as of Friday, making him the sixth richest man in the world according to Forbes’ real-time billionaires list.
Tangent
New Zealand was among the first countries in the world to close off its borders to foreigners very early during the Covid-19 pandemic. Experts believe this move along with strict quarantine procedures for incoming New Zealand citizens and residents helped the country almost completely stamp out the local spread of the coronavirus. Since the start of the pandemic, the country has reported only 2,880 cases and 26 deaths from Covid-19.
Further Reading
Google founder gets New Zealand residency, raising questions (Associated Press)
Google billionaire Larry Page is an NZ resident, Government confirms (Stuff)
