Officials will provide “visa facilitation” to foreign nationals who have taken a Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccine, according to statements posted to a number of Chinese embassy websites. The change will allow eligible applicants to apply for visas under pre-pandemic rules.

Key Points:

  • China has barred entry to most foreign travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has indicated it will now accept visa applications from foreign nationals who have received a Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccine and are traveling to Mainland China to resume work, for business or for “humanitarian needs,” including reuniting with family members.
  • Visa applicants are encouraged to check statements published by the relevant Chinese embassy or commissioner’s office for more information. Among those that have published statements so far this week are embassies and commissioner’s offices in Belarus, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and the United States.

Additional Information: Earlier this month, China launched an International Travel Health Certificate for Chinese citizens. The certificate shows COVID-19 test results and vaccination status and contains an encrypted QR code that can be used by authorities in various countries to verify authenticity. The certificate can be displayed electronically or printed.

Analysis & Comments: The change will ease travel to China for some foreign nationals, though travelers should note that the visa facilitation is only available at this time to applicants who have received a Chinese-made vaccine.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Shanghai has implemented new work permit policies aimed at accelerating the city’s growth as a global technological innovation center. The new policies include expanding the type of workers eligible for Category A work permits, permitting some foreign scientific and technological workers in Shanghai to find part-time jobs and easing application requirements for investors, entrepreneurs and foreign experts.

Key Points:

  • Category A expanded. In China, foreign workers are generally categorized in three groups: Category A for “top talent,” Category B for “professional talent” and Category C for “other workers” (i.e., seasonal workers, conditional foreign interns/graduates, etc.). Officials in Shanghai have now expanded Category A so that besides global entrepreneurs and leading scientists, it also includes foreign scientific and technological researchers and Ph.D. holders in science, engineering, agriculture and medicine. Qualifying workers can apply for R visas, which are valid for up to 10 years. Accompanying family members can also apply for R visas with the same validity period.
  • Part-time jobs. Foreign scientific and technological researchers can now hold part-time jobs in addition to their primary employment. The part-time job must be related to their full-time work, and employees must obtain pre-approval from the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality before lodging an application. Employees must also obtain consent from their full-time employer and must sign a written agreement with both the full-time and part-time employer. If the employee departs his or her full-time work, the part-time job will be rendered invalid.
  • Requirements for investors/entrepreneurs. Foreign nationals who invest or engage in local innovative business will be eligible for eased requirements related to age, education and work experience when they apply for their first work permit. Up until now, applicants had to be under the age of 60, have a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant work experience. These requirements can now be waived on a case-by-case basis.
  • Foreign experts. New age, education and work requirements are forthcoming for foreign experts who hold international vocational certificates or have skills that are in urgent demand in Shanghai. While officials have not indicated what the precise new requirements will be, they have said that applicants up to the age of 70 will be accepted, whereas the previous age limit was 60. Qualifying foreign experts will be granted two-year work permits.

Analysis & Comments: The recent changes in Shanghai are consistent with China’s broader efforts to bring top global talent in competitive fields to the country. Employers who wish to determine whether their employees may qualify for work permits under the new rules are encouraged to work closely with Deloitte.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Chinese government recently announced new entry measures for travelers with COVID-19 vaccinations.

Key Points:

  • Effective Feb. 1, travelers intending to enter China who have received the COVID-19 vaccination must upload the following documents to apply for a green health code or certified health declaration code: a vaccination certificate, including name, product name/manufacturer, date of vaccination, and issuing institution; and a negative nucleic acid and IgM anti-body test certificate. The health code or the certified health declaration code will be issued after the verification and consideration of the submitted documents.
  • Travelers who have received the COVID-19 vaccination outside China who are flying to China from a third country are required to apply for the health code or certified health declaration code in advance from the Chinese Embassy or Consulates from where they are departing. More COVID-19 vaccine information is available here.

Analysis & Comments: The response to COVID-19 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

China recently announced it has temporarily suspended the entry of foreign nationals from ten countries.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals from the following countries are temporarily not allowed to enter China:
    • Bangladesh (view announcement here)
    • Belgium (view announcement here)
    • Ethiopia (view announcement here)
    • France (view announcement here)
    • India (view announcement here)
    • Italy (view announcement here)
    • Philippines (view announcement here)
    • Russia (view announcement here)
    • United Kingdom (view announcement here)
    • Ukraine (view announcement here).
  • Entry by holders of diplomatic, service, courtesy, or C visas will not be affected.
  • The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the relevant jurisdictions will no longer issue Certified Health Declaration Forms for these travelers.
  • Foreign nationals visiting China for emergency needs may apply for visas at a Chinese embassy or consulate.

Analysis & Comments: Only those who are exempt from the temporary suspension on travel from the countries listed above will be permitted to enter China at this time. Employers should take note and plan accordingly. 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

China recently announced that foreign nationals with certain residence permits will be allowed to enter the country.

Key Points:

  • Effective Sept. 28, foreign nationals holding valid Chinese residence permits for work, personal matters and reunion will be allowed to enter China without applying for new visas.
  • Those with residence permits that expired after March 28 may apply for relevant visas by presenting their expired residence permits and supporting materials at Chinese embassies or consulates, provided purpose of their visit to China remains unchanged. More information is available here.

Background: The change follows China’s move in August to allow some foreign nationals with certain permits to apply for visas.

Analysis & Comments: 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 – MEDIUM

Authorities in Shanghai have updated work permit application processes.

Key points:

  • Applications for Category B and C Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit, Category B and C extensions of Foreigner’s Work Permit and all cancellation procedures can now be handled online by the employer, without onsite submission of paper documents. For Category A foreign high-end talent work permit applications, the usual processes will apply, also without the need for the onsite submission of paper documents.
  • For all online approvals, the approval period will be shortened by two working days.
  • For more information on extending the validity periods for foreign high-end talent and foreign professionals click here.

Additional Information: China made it possible for foreign nationals from a number of countries with certain permits to enter the country in mid-August. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for additional information on COVID-19-related travel and immigration restrictions.

Analysis & Comments: The Shanghai work permit application processes updates should make these processes more efficient for employers.

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

China has implemented new testing measures for passengers traveling from the United States.

Key Points:

  • Effective today, Sept. 15, Chinese and foreign passengers taking a direct flight from the United States to China must complete a COVID-19 nucleic acid test within three days of boarding. Upon obtaining a negative nucleic acid test certificate, Chinese citizens must apply for a green health code with the “HS” logo through the WeChat mobile application. More information is available here.
  • For foreign nationals, a report showing a negative nucleic acid (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test is acceptable, but antibody or serology test results are not. The negative test result certificates must be emailed or submitted to the Chinese Embassy or Consulates General in the United States. They must be submitted once they are issued and no later than 24 hours before boarding in the U.S. The certificate must be submitted to the embassy or consulate that has consular jurisdiction for the area where the testing facility is located. It must also be submitted with a scanned copy of a valid passport information page and the signed health declaration. Processing the health declaration usually takes one day. To view the list of embassy and consulates email addresses and submission links, please click here.
  • Following the consulate’s approval, the copy of the scanned health declaration is sent back to the passenger. The passenger must print out the declaration and carry it with them while traveling. The health declaration will remain valid for three days following the nucleic acid test certificate’s issuance.
  • Foreign nationals flying from the U.S. to China who transit through a third country or territory must meet the requirements in this Aug. 12 notice. COVID-19 nucleic acid tests should be taken within three days before boarding in the transit country.
  • Foreign citizens transiting in the U.S. before flying to China must present a health declaration form to the airlines. The declaration will be verified by the Chinese Embassy or Consulates in the country of departure.

Analysis & Comments: 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

China has announced that effective Aug. 22, it will accept visa applications from Japanese, Singaporean and Indonesian citizens who have valid residence permits.

Key Points:

  • Japanese citizens: Japanese citizens with valid residence permits can apply for visas at Chinese visa centers in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya or Chinese consulates in regions without visa centers. For more information, please click here.
  • Singaporean citizens. Singaporean citizens with valid residence permits can apply for visas to China at the Chinese Embassy. For more information on the procedures for departure, including the requirements for a nucleic acid test, please click here.
  • Indonesian citizens. Indonesian citizens with valid residence permits can apply for visas at any Chinese embassy or consulate. For more information on the procedures for departure, including the requirements for a nucleic acid test, please click here.

Background: In mid-August, China began allowing foreign nationals from over 30 countries with valid residence permits, work permits or family reunion/personal matters permits to apply for visas.

Analysis & Comments: 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

China recently made it possible for foreign nationals from a number of countries who have certain permits to apply for visas.

Key points:

  • Foreign nationals who have valid residence permits, work permits or family reunion/personal matters permits and are from the following countries are now allowed to apply for visas at any Chinese Embassy or consulate in their respective countries: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
  • The Chinese Embassy and consulates in South Korea began issuing visas to South Korean citizens to allow them to work or study in China the first week of August.

Analysis & Comments: The opening of visa applications to foreign nationals from over thirty countries with certain permits is good news for employers wishing to send their employees to China. 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

The Chinese Embassy and consulates in South Korea have begun issuing visas to South Korean citizens to allow them to work or study in China.

Key Points:

  • Visa applicants are required to complete the visa application form online here. They will need to print and sign both the confirmation page and application form.
  • Applicants holding a valid residence permit issued by the Ministry of Public Security may obtain a visa that corresponds to their purpose of visit free-of-charge. For example, an applicant with a valid reunion residence permit may apply for a Q family visit visa. An applicant with a valid work residence permit may apply for a Z work visa.
  • Students studying in China without a valid residence permit will need to submit the “Visa Application Form for Foreign Students to China” (JW201 or JW202 Form) issued by the Ministry of Education, together with their school admission notice.
  • Employees who do not possess a valid residence permit will need to provide their work permit notification letter instead.
  • All applicants also need to submit a signed health statement when submitting their visa applications, and complete a COVID-19 nucleic acid test within five days prior to their flight to China.

Background: China suspended entry for most foreign nationals in recent months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The move to issue visas to South Korean citizens represents a slight easing of China’s restrictions.

Analysis & Comments: 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.