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.

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