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IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Japanese government has announced that it will allow U.S. and Canadian nationals to apply online for short-term stay visas.
Key Points:
Additional Information: U.S. and Canadian nationals traveling for tourism cannot travel throughout the country freely. They will only be able to enter the country for tourism if they have booked a guided tour through a designated travel agency.
BAL Analysis: U.S. and Canadian nationals will face reduced barriers when applying for short-term stay visa in Japan. Travelers are reminded that Japan continues to enforce COVID-19 entry requirements and should plan travel in advance to avoid delays or complications when entering the country. Information on Japan’s current COVID-19 entry requirements is available here.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Japanese government has amended its COVID-19 entry requirements.
Additional Information: More information regarding Japan’s COVID-19 entry requirements and procedures for travelers from specific countries and regions is available here.
BAL Analysis: Japanese authorities have amended the country’s COVID-19 entry requirements and introduced the fast-track requirement with intent to reduce entry delays. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
Hong Kong authorities have updated their COVID-19 quarantine requirements.
Additional Information: Travelers must continue to complete the health declaration QR code, have confirmation of their three-night DQH booking and have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure to enter Hong Kong. More information regarding Hong Kong’s COVID-19 entry requirements is available here.
BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Indonesian government has announced that it will implement new health insurance requirements for employers hiring short-term foreign workers.
Additional Information: More information regarding the new insurance requirement for short-term foreign workers is available here.
BAL Analysis: Indonesian employers should note the additional steps they will need to complete when hiring short-term foreign workers and adjust their budgets as needed to account for the insurance premiums. BAL will provide more information regarding the insurance requirements once an implementation date is set.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will publish a proposed rule tomorrow that would allow the agency to provide optional alternatives to physical document examination in some scenarios in the Form I-9 process.
Background: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has provided temporary Form I-9 flexibilities that allow for remote document verification in some cases for eligible employers who are operating remotely because of COVID-19. The temporary flexibilities are currently scheduled to expire on Oct. 31. U.S. employers and business coalitions, including BAL, have urged DHS to make remote verification available permanently.
BAL Analysis: While the DHS proposal does not directly authorize remote document examination, it would create a legal structure that would allow the government to use alternative processes in the future. DHS also said it is “exploring alternative options” including making some of the COVID-19 measures permanent. BAL will continue to follow the possible changes on the Form I-9 process and will provide updates as information becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Visitors to Qatar will be required to obtain a “Hayya Card” to enter the country beginning Nov. 1, Qatari authorities have confirmed.
Background: Qatar is expected to welcome more than 1 million visitors for the World Cup. Authorities had previously said that those attending World Cup matches would be required to obtain a Hayy Card. Authorities have now confirmed that this requirement will apply to all visitors beginning Nov. 1.
BAL Analysis: Those planning to visit Qatar for reasons other than attending World Cup matches should do so before November or after the Hayya Card requirement comes to an end.
The Costa Rican government has reduced the allowable duration of stay for some visa-exempt travelers.
BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals traveling from the affected countries must now apply for an extension-of-stay to stay in Costa Rica for up to 90 days.
U.K. Visa and Immigration (UKVI) has reintroduced priority services for those applying for sponsored work and student visas from abroad.
Additional Information: Priority services for new family applications remains suspended; UKVI will provide an update when these services are resumed. More information regarding PV and SPV services is available here. Information on current visa processing times is available here.
BAL Analysis: U.K. authorities have reintroduced priority services work and student routes with intent to gradually reduce visa processing times for all applicants. Applicants should note that they will only be able to purchase priority services during the appointment booking process at participating UKVI locations.
The Polish government has increased the fees for the issuance or replacement of immigration documents.
BAL Analysis: Polish authorities increased the fees for new and replacement immigration documents because of the increased costs of maintaining biometric services. Those who need Polish immigration documents should expect increased service fees.
Taiwanese authorities have announced that they will lift their COVID-19 testing requirements for inbound travelers.
Additional Information: Taiwan’s quarantine policies remain in place at this time. More information regarding Taiwan’s COVID-19 quarantine requirements is available here.