Government imposes entry ban for foreign nationals traveling from China’s Hubei Province and PRC nationals issued with passports in Hubei Province

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Japanese government has banned PRC passport holders whose passport was issued by Hubei Province from entering Japan. In addition, any foreign nationals traveling from Hubei Province have been banned from entering Japan.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: All types of visas.
• Who is affected: Chinese and foreign nationals in or recently in Hubei Province planning travel to Japan, and their employers.
• Business impact: Companies employing foreign workers coming from China may experience delays and disruptions related to employee mobility and availability.
• Next steps: Employers should be aware of the entry ban when moving employees to Japan.

Analysis & Comments: The government’s ban on all travel from Hubei Province indicates that it is taking serious steps to contain the spread of the virus. Officials have declared the virus a “designated infectious disease,” which, in addition to the entrance ban, allows authorities to mandate medical treatment for those infected. Employers and foreign employees traveling from Hubei Province should expect significant delays. The response to the coronavirus continues to evolve, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes 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.