IMPACT – HIGH

Nigeria has extended the COVID-19 lockdown for another 14 days to mitigate the spread of the disease. Authorities have approved the waiver of extension fees for visitor/migrants affected by the travel ban and closure of the international airports in Nigeria.

Key Points:

  • Effective April 13, for 14 days, Abuja, Lagos and Ogun remain under lockdown.
  • The original lockdown was declared on March 30 for 14 days. The recent lockdown extension keeps restrictions from it in place. Abuja, Lagos and Ogun remain covered by the lockdown, meaning businesses there are closed, except for essential services. Interstate travel also remains suspended. In March, airports were closed to international flights and visa-on-arrival was suspended
  • All visitors/migrants holding valid visas/residence permit with confirmed return tickets to travel out of Nigeria within the period covered by the travel restrictions are to be issued relevant extensions at no cost. Such individuals are expected to reschedule their flights and travel within one week of relaxing the restriction.
  • Conversely, migrants whose permit/visas expired prior to the travel restrictions would pay the penalty for overstay up to the commencement date of the travel ban.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate significant disruptions to employee mobility and all but essential business. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

Argentina has extended the country’s mandatory quarantine until April 26 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • The country’s borders will remain closed indefinitely, but the repatriation program for Argentina nationals overseas will continue.
  • Individuals in the country are to remain at home, unless they are going out to purchase supplies or medicine. University and school classes are to remain suspended. Limited activities have been allowed to start under special conditions.
  • The use of masks is required in Buenos Aires city and on Buenos Aires province and are required in some other provinces as well.

Background: Argentina has implemented a number of entry restrictions, including banning entry for foreign nationals until and restricting entry by air for Argentina nationals to the country’s national airline Aerolíneas Argentinas. Argentina’s immigration offices were closed as well.

Analysis & Comments: The mandatory quarantine extension will continue to impact the movement of people into Argentina. It is possible the current mandatory quarantine will be extended again. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has declared a state public health emergency and implemented a number of travel restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • All flights from COVID-19 affected countries are suspended, including flights transiting through countries affected by COVID-19. All national borders are closed for travel with exceptions for the transporting of cargo by ships or other means. Cargo and freight personnel are subject to public health measures.
  • A state public health emergency has been declared, resulting in a nationwide lockdown which restricts the movement of people. Individuals are to remain at home except when they need to go out for food, health reasons or work. Additionally, domestic flights between Kinshasa and the provinces are suspended. Public institutions are providing limited services with staff working on a rotational basis.
  • Many of the public institutions are located in Gombe (a commune in Kinshasa), which is under a lockdown. Only permit applications designated as a priority are being processed. The processing of other permit applications has been postponed until the emergency is over.
  • For people with COVID-19 symptoms, or who have been affected by COVID-19, there is a 14-day quarantine in place.

Analysis & Comments: The state public health emergency and travel restrictions will impact the movement of people into and within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

Zimbabwe has implemented a nationwide lockdown to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • Zimbabwe is in the midst of a 21-day lockdown that began March 30. Travel into the country is not permitted except for essential activities like the movement of goods, and power and water operations.
  • The Immigration Department is covered by the lockdown, so it may not be possible to submit work permit applications during this period.
  • There are 14-day quarantine facilities located at Harare and Bulawayo.

Analysis & Comments: The new lockdown will temporarily very much impact the movement of people into Zimbabwe and work permit applications. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Significant delays may occur for consular and in-country processing. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

Lesotho has implemented several measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • Inbound and outbound travel are suspended. There are exceptions for emergency medical providers, providers of specialized consultancy services invited by the Government and the transporting of goods.
  • Individuals from countries affected by COVID-19 or who have been in contact with someone who has it are subject to a 14-day self-quarantine with careful observation. Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 will be quarantined.
  • Government offices that provide non-essential services are closed and all permit applications (including work and residence permits) are on hold until the COVID-19 situation is over.

Analysis & Comments: The travel and quarantine measures and government office closures will impact the movement of people into and out of Lesotho. Depending on how the COVID-19 situation unfolds, there could be additional measures announced in the coming weeks. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

The Moroccan government announced a Health State of Emergency, which is in effect until April 20, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • Until further notice, commercial flights to and from the country are suspended.
  • Requests to extend, obtain or renew residency cards are not being processed, until further notice.
  • Recent foreign entrants to the country who have been unable to leave within 90 days because of COVID-19 will be allowed to leave the country without being fined, when it is possible to travel. This is also true if they do not have an extension to remain in the country longer than 90 days. Residency cards possessed by foreigners that expire within 90 days after arriving will be honored by the government.

Additional information: During the Health State of Emergency, movement within the country is limited to essential activities such as seeking medical care, working, shopping and attending to emergencies. A 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily curfew has also been implemented.

Analysis & Comments: The travel restrictions and processing disruptions will impact the movement of people into Morocco. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Significant delays may occur for consular and in-country processing. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Chinese Embassy and all consulates in the United States are closed until further notice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Points:

  • Chinese consulates in the U.S. are only processing visas on an emergency basis.
  • Those requiring emergency visa services must secure an appointment.
  • Those requiring emergency visa services must contact the Chinese Consulate in their jurisdiction for an appointment.

Analysis & Comments: Employers and visa applicants should plan for significant delays as travel becomes increasingly restricted and Chinese consulates suspend visa services. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop and Deloitte will provide updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has again extended the temporary movement control order (MCO) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • The movement control order, originally implemented last month and then extended to April 14, has been extended again until April 28.
  • The Malaysia Expatriate Talent Service Centre (MYXpats Centre) and Immigration Department will be temporary closed until April 28. All communication with MYXpats Centre during the MCO will be limited to email only. Click here for more information.
  • The Ministry of International Trade and Industry has announced that certain sectors may operate during the MOC provided they follow strict health and safety guidelines. The sectors include, but are not limited to: the automotive industry; machinery and equipment industry; aerospace industry; construction and services related to construction work; the scientific sector; professional and technical services, including research and development; health services.

Background: Malaysia originally implemented measures to mitigate the spread of the virus that took effect March 18, and then extended the MCO until April 14.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop and Deloitte will provide updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has announced temporary suspension of visa-free entry and visa waiver programs to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • Effective April 13, visa-free entry and visa waiver programs are suspended for nationals of countries imposing entry bans on South Korean citizens. The suspension does not apply to official service passport holders, diplomatic passport holders, APEC Business Travel Card holders or inbound flight or ship crew members.
  • All valid short-term visas (types C-1, C-3) that were issued on or before April 5 are temporarily suspended.
  • The suspension does not apply to long-term visas (types A, D, E, F, G, H) or short-term employment visas (type C-4).
  • For long-term visas over 90 days, consulates and immigration offices are still accepting applications for nationals from countries denying entry to South Koreans; however, processing times are longer, and holders of these visas are still subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival.
  • For long-term visa holders who are in South Korea, if their visa will expire before May 31, it will be automatically extended for three months.
  • South Korean diplomatic missions are requiring applicants for new visas to submit a medical certificate issued within 48 hours and an agreement to enter quarantine.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop and Deloitte will provide updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released an announcement today reiterating legal requirements for applying for an extension or change of status and reminding applicants of its discretionary authority to excuse late filings. The agency did not announce any new policies or measures to provide flexibility to foreign nationals who are unable to depart the U.S. upon expiration of their status due to the COVID-19 emergency.

Key Points:

  • The announcement reminds eligible nonimmigrants that they may apply for an extension of stay (EOS) or change of status (COS), and that nonimmigrants generally do not accrue unlawful presence while their timely-filed, non-frivolous application is pending. Certain extension applicants may benefit from the automatic 240-day extension of work authorization with the same employer, subject to the same terms and conditions of the prior approval.
  • For applicants who fail to timely file for EOS or COS before their authorized period of admission expires, USCIS reminds applicants that it has discretionary authority, on a case-by-case basis, to excuse the failure to timely file if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances. The petitioner or applicant must submit credible evidence to support the request. More information can be found on the agency’s Special Situations page.
  • Travelers who entered the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may not extend or change status, but USCIS has discretion to grant a period of satisfactory departure for up to 30 days if an emergency (such as COVID-19) prevents a VWP traveler’s departure. For VWP travelers who have already been granted satisfactory departure and are unable to depart within 30 days because of COVID-19 related issues, USCIS has authority to temporarily provide an additional 30-day period of satisfactory departure. This can be requested by contacting the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

BAL Analysis: USCIS has provided a reminder to employers and applicants of requirements to file an extension or change of status, and its existing authority to excuse late filings on a case-by-case basis. The announcement also clarifies that VWP entrants may request satisfactory departure, but does not provide guidance for work-authorized nonimmigrants who are in the U.S. and do not have the option to apply for EOS or COS. The most up-to-date information about USCIS’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found on the agency’s website.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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