Government suspends visas for residents of Hubei Province to contain spread of coronavirus

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The government has suspended granting visas to all PRC passport holders from Hubei Province in China in response to the spread of the coronavirus.

What does the change mean? All visas, including visa-waived entry, visas on arrival, e-visas and consular visas, are suspended for Chinese nationals from Hubei Province.

• Implementation time frame: Jan. 27.
• Visas/permits affected: All visas.
• Who is affected: PRC passport holders from Hubei Province and their employers.
• Impact on processing: Processing of visa applications for PRC passport holders from Hubei Province is suspended.
• Business impact: Companies employing PRC passport holders from Hubei Province may face reduced staff.
• Next steps: Employers should consider the visa suspension when hiring or assigning workers from Hubei Province.

Background: Since the coronavirus was first detected in December, countries have begun issuing travel bans and warnings to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should be aware of the suspension of visas for PRC passport holders from Hubei Province when filing visa applications. The government has said that immigration privileges will be available to affected Chinese nationals once the situation returns to normal. Deloitte will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates when available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.