IMPACT – HIGH

As of July 27, travelers arriving in Shanghai from overseas may spend half of their 14-day quarantine period at home, if they are able to meet a certain conditions.

Key Points:

  • Travelers whose final destination is Shanghai may apply to complete their quarantine period at home from the eighth day thereof if:
    • They hold residency in the city.
    • They live apart from family members who are not under quarantine or live with others who agree to be quarantined with them.
    • They are able to produce a negative COVID-19 nucleic test on the fifth day of their quarantine period.
  • On the eighth day of quarantine, the authorities will transport those who qualify from the collective quarantine location to their homes.
  • The government will continue to allow conditional home quarantine for senior citizens, under-aged individuals, pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with mobility restrictions, family caregivers, and individuals with certain diseases.

Additional information: The authorities will transport travelers whose final destination is Jiangsu, Zhejiang, or Anhui province to their destination to continue their quarantine after seven days of collective quarantine in Shanghai, provided that their COVID-19 nucleic test on the fifth day is negative. Those whose final destination is in another region of China will still be placed under the compulsory 14-day quarantine arrangement in Shanghai. 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.

 

China has ordered the closure of the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu. The move was made in retaliation for the U.S.’s order earlier this week for China to close the Chinese Consulate General in Houston.

Key Points:

  • Chinese authorities gave the U.S. 72 hours to shut down operations at the Chengdu consulate.
  • The Chengdu consular district includes the Provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou, as well as Tibet and the Chongqing municipality. The U.S. also operates consulates in mainland China in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan as well as the embassy in Beijing. The U.S. also has a consulate in Hong Kong.
  • Travel between China and the U.S. has slowed dramatically because of the COVID-19 pandemic and related entry restrictions in both countries. Those who did have applications pending at the Chengdu consulate should anticipate the possibility of delays.

Background: The U.S. ordered the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston earlier this week, saying it was doing so “to protect American intellectual property and American’s (sic) private information.” China’s Foreign Ministry called the U.S.’s move “outrageous” and “unjustified” and said China would take “legitimate and necessary” counter measures if the decision is not reversed. Chine authorities ordered the closure of the Chengdu consulate on Friday.

Analysis & Comments: Applicants should prepare for delays in processing and await additional details on which consulates will assume jurisdiction over applications that had been previously submitted in Chengdu.

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

Copyright © 2020 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government is requiring all inbound travelers, including Chinese citizens, to complete a COVID-19 nucleic acid test before traveling.

Key Points:

  • This test must be completed at a medical institution designated by the Chinese Embassy within five days of departure for China.
  • Chinese citizens are required to take a photo of their test results and upload it to the epidemic prevention program on the instant messaging platform WeChat.
  • Foreign nationals must make a Health Declaration at the relevant Chinese Embassy and provide a written copy of their test results.

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.

IMPACT – HIGH

As of July 17, new requirements are in force for those traveling from Hong Kong to mainland China via Shenzhen, Guangdong province.

Key Points:

  • Affected travelers must hold a certificate confirming they have tested negative for COVID-19.
  • They must also undergo 14 days of medical observation in isolation.

Additional information: Certain specific groups such as those traveling for business, cross-border truck drivers, and students may be exempt from the quarantine requirement, but will continue to be subject to existing COVID-19 prevention and control rules.

Analysis & Comments: 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

International travelers arriving in Shenzhen will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine for medical observation upon arrival.

Shenzhen is the latest Chinese city to require incoming travelers to undergo observation for the COVID-19 virus. Policies in other Chinese cities are as follows:

  • All travelers arriving in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangdong are subject to a 14-day concentrated medical observation as well as a nucleic acid test.
  • Travelers under 14 and over 70, pregnant or these with medical conditions can request home quarantine after strict assessment.
  • Diplomats and those working in fields of important economic and trade, scientific and technological cooperation will be subject to a different set of regulations.

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.

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

All travelers entering Shanghai and Chengdu are required to undergo 14 days of concentrated medical observation.

Key Points:

  • Travelers entering Shanghai from abroad must undergo 14 days of concentrated medical observation. Travelers currently in home quarantine should instead undergo concentrated medical observation.
  • Diplomats and those traveling to Shanghai to undertake important technical, economic, or scientific work will be subject to different requirements. Travelers who are under 18, over 60, pregnant or with medical conditions may be permitted to undergo home quarantine following strict assessment and a negative result from COVID-19 testing.
  • Travelers entering Chengdu from abroad or from another Chinese port of entry must undergo 14 days of concentrated medical observation.
  • Travelers arriving in Chengdu whose ultimate destination is another city in the Sichuan Province should undergo medical observation in their destination city.
  • Travelers arriving in Chengdu whose ultimate destination is another province should undergo medical observation in Chengdu.

Background: The new medical observation requirement follows similar policies recently implemented in other provinces and cities in China.

Analysis & Comments: 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

Effective March 28, entry is suspended for foreign nationals holding visas or residence permits that were valid up to the suspension.

Key Points:

  • The suspension includes port visas, visa-free transit and visa-free policies for tour groups.
  • Entry of foreign nationals with APEC Business Travel Cards is suspended.
  • Diplomatic, courtesy, service and C visas are not affected by the ban.
  • Visas issued after the suspension announcement are not affected by the ban.
  • Foreign nationals coming to China for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or for emergency humanitarian needs may apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates.
  • Effective March 29, foreign airlines must have only one air route to China and operate no more than one flight per week. Flights cannot carry more than 75% of their passenger capacity.
  • Effective March 24, all travelers arriving in Shenzhen ports must undergo a nucleic acid test for COVID-19.
  • Effective March 26, all travelers arriving in Shanghai must undergo 14 days of quarantine.
  • Effective March 27, all travelers arriving in Guangdong (including travelers arriving from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and travelers in transit) must undergo a 14-day medical observation and a nucleic acid test for COVID-19.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate significant disruptions to employee mobility. The response to COVID-19 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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Several major cities in China are implementing quarantine measures for foreign and Chinese nationals entering China.

Key Points:

  • Beijing: As of March 18, all foreign nationals arriving in Beijing must undergo 14 days of concentrated medical observation at their own expense. Flights to Beijing Capital International Airport will be rerouted through one of 12 other airports in China where they will undergo health screening. Those who do not show signs of COVID-19 will be permitted to continue on to Beijing where they will begin the 14 days of observation.
  • Shanghai: As of March 20, travelers from the following eight countries must undergo either 14-day home medical observation or concentrated medical observation: Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Malaysia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
  • Guangdong: As of March 19, all Chinese nationals arriving from overseas and all foreign nationals who have traveled to the following list of countries in the past 14 days prior to entering Guangdong must undergo either 14-day home or collective quarantine for medical observation: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States.

Additional information: For Shanghai, the eight countries above have been added to the previous list of countries that include: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States. For Beijing, foreign nationals under 14 and over 70, pregnant or those with medical conditions can request home quarantine after strict assessment.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate significant disruptions to employee mobility and availability for affected employees. The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the news? The government has clarified current immigration policies for both foreign and Chinese nationals in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus in Hubei Province.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Potentially all visas and permits, depending on the individual situation.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals in China and Chinese nationals planning to travel abroad.
  • Impact on processing: Extension of Chinese visas and residence permits may be delayed; Chinese nationals planning to travel abroad may face visa application rejection or restrictions.
  • Business impact: Companies employing foreign nationals in China or Chinese nationals in other countries may face delays in moving employees or renewing their immigration documents.

Next steps: Employers should consider the likelihood of delays due to processing or quarantine. Anyone who experiences symptoms such as fever accompanied by acute respiratory infection should immediately seek evaluation and treatment and notify the authorities.

Background: Since the coronavirus was first detected in December, countries have begun issuing travel bans and warnings to prevent the further spread of the virus. China has taken various measures to contain the virus, including closing the Wuhan port of entry in Hubei Province.

Analysis & Comments: With the exception of the Wuhan port of entry, China’s immigration authorities are operating normally at other ports of entry, and there are no changes to visa exemption policies. Foreign nationals can continue to stay and work in China but are advised to check current immigration policies in other countries if planning to travel outside China. The government has stated that immigration authorities may lighten or eliminate penalties for overstaying visas or failing to renew residence permits for foreign nationals affected by the coronavirus. Furthermore, the online system should continue to be used for processing of extensions and residence permit applications. The government has also reminded Chinese Mainland residents planning to travel abroad to verify current entry and exit rules in their country of destination as many countries have recently imposed restrictions on travel from China. Deloitte will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates when 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.