IMPACT – HIGH

Colombian Immigration has temporarily suspended many procedures and services. The suspension is in force through May 30.

Key points:

  • Visa application processing for foreign nationals outside of Colombia is suspended until the COVID-19 health emergency ends.
  • Visa expiration for foreign nationals outside Colombia is suspended, provided they have one of the following valid visas on April 21, 2020:
    • Visitor Visa for temporary services or intercompany transfer.
    • Migrant Visa for any purpose.
  • Suspension of early termination of Migrant and Resident Visas for foreign nationals who are outside of Colombia on April 21, 2020.
  • Suspension of the three-month limit to print electronic visas once approved.
  • The following apply to Colombian nationals only:
    • Suspension of deadline to claim the passport once it is issued.
    • Suspension of ordinary and executive passport issuance while the health emergency remains in force.
    • Suspension of the process of renouncing Colombian nationality.
    • Suspension of certificate of resignation or recovery of Colombian nationality issuance.

Additional information: Foreign nationals currently in Colombia may submit visa applications electronically; however, Visitor Visa holders can only apply for the same type of visa they already hold (i.e., they cannot change to a different type of visa). The suspension of international passenger flights will continue till the end of May. The government is allowing the construction and manufacturing sectors to operate under strict health protocols. The national mandatory lockdown is extended until May 11.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate significant disruptions to employee mobility. The suspension of expiration for some immigration documents will, however, ease compliance concerns for affected foreign national employees. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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.