IMPACT – MEDUIM

The Czech Republic has updated its entry requirements and protective measures for travelers entering the country on or after Oct. 27.

Key Points:

  • Travelers coming from or who have been in low- and medium-risk countries for more than 12 hours in the 14 days before intended arrival must:
    • Compete the Passenger Locator Form before entering the country.
    • Take a PCR or antigen test before departure or within five days of arrival.
    • When asked, present proof that they have competed the Passenger Locator Form or have an applicable exemption.
  • Travelers coming from or who have been in high- and very high-risk countries for more than 12 hours in the 14 days before intended arrival must:
    • Compete the Passenger Locator Form before entering the country.
    • Have the results of a PCR test taken within 72 hours of entering the country.
    • When asked, present proof that they have competed the Passenger Locator Form and results of the PCR test or have an applicable exemption.
    • Take a PCR test between the fifth and seventh day of arrival and wear a facemask in public places until they receive the results of the test.
  • Individuals who are fully vaccinate against COVID-19 and hold the EU digital COVID certificate or an approved written vaccination confirmation are exempt from the testing requirements.
  • A list of countries according to their risk levels can be found here.

Additional Information: Czech nationals and residents can enter the country even if they test positive for COVID-19 before arrival. The full list of entry requirements, protective measures and related exemptions can be found here.

BAL Analysis: Individuals traveling from high- and very high-risk countries no longer have to quarantine upon arrival. 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 the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 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 Czech Republic recently introduced new identification documents and a health insurance policy required for many foreign nationals.

Key Points:

  • As of Aug. 2, new identification documents containing biometric data will be issued to all third country nationals, including family members of EU citizens.
    • Family members of EU citizens who are not EU citizens themselves are required to exchange their current permit for the new biometric permit.
    • All non-biometric permits will expire on Aug. 3, 2023.
    • British citizens must exchange their non-biometric permits by Aug. 31, 2022.
  • As of Aug. 2, foreign nationals must have proof of health insurance from Pojišťovna VZP, a.s. (PVZP) when collecting their long-term visa or residence permit.
    • This requirement does not apply to foreign nationals covered by Czech public health insurance, those with insurance paid for on the basis of an international agreement or people who hold a valid Global or European Health Insurance Card.
    • Individuals who already live in the Czech Republic on a long-term visa or long-term residence permit and have health insurance from another provider will not have to switch to health insurance provided by PVZP. Such individuals will only have to switch to PVZP if they apply for a visa extension or permit extension.

BAL Analysis: The health insurance requirements are expected to be challenged in the coming months. BAL will continue to monitor these changes and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

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

Copyright © 2021 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 – MEDIUM

The Czech government has announced a new requirement for adaptation-integration courses for newly arrived foreign nationals who have long-term residency.

Key Points:

  • Starting this month, foreign nationals from non-EU and non-EEA countries who have been newly granted a long-term residence in the Czech Republic must sign up to take an adaptation-integration course.
  • The classes are four hours long and will take place beginning in March 2021. They are meant to help foreign nationals understand their rights and obligations in the Czech Republic. The cost is CZK 1,500. Foreign nationals will receive a completion certificate.
  • The course requirement is for foreign nationals with a long-term residence permit, such as an employee card, blue card or long-term stay for the purpose of family reunification.
  • The requirement does not apply to students, Intra-Corporate Transfer card holders, individuals with long-term residence for investment purposes, individuals in the Key and Research Staff government program or Highly Qualified Worker program, foreign nationals younger than 15 years or older than 61 years.

Additional information: The adaption courses will be interpreted into Arabic, English, French, Mongolian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should make the new requirements known to any workers living in the Czech Republic and ensure they complete the course as required.

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

What is the change? The Czech Republic’s monthly minimum wage will increase Jan. 1 from 14,600 Czech Korunas to 15,200.

What does the change mean? The minimum wage is relevant to all workers in the Czech Republic, including employee card holders, whose wages must not be lower than the minimum wage.

  • Implementation time frame: Jan. 1, 2021.
  • Who is affected: Czech companies, including those employing foreign nationals.
  • Business impact: Businesses may see a slight increase in labor costs because of the new minimum wage.
  • Additional Information: The change does not affect the EU Blue Card salary threshold, which will remain at 51,188 Czech korunas per month until May 1.

Analysis & Comments: The 2021 monthly minimum wage of 15,200 Czech Korunas represents a 4-percent increase over last year’s level. Employers should take the new wage minimums into account when planning their 2021 budgets.

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 Czech Republic is banning tourists and other non-essential visitors from entering the country as part of a state of emergency in an effort to limit COVID-19 infections.

Key Points:

  • Tourists and visitors of Czech citizens and residents will not be allowed to enter the country from Oct. 22 until at least Nov. 3.
  • Free travel is limited inside of the country, but trips for work and business are allowed.
  • Hotels are accepting foreign business travelers and other foreigner travelers who are stranded in the country because of travel restrictions.
  • There are also restrictions on government offices and only essential business will be allowed. Services at government offices are limited and only essential services are being offered at this time.
  • The move does not affect cross-border workers in any new way. Border controls have not been reintroduced for these individuals.

Additional Information: Czech borders remain open for Czech citizens and residents. The ban on tourists will be revaluated and may be extended beyond Nov. 3.

Analysis & Comments: Although business travel is allowed, business travelers must still adhere to internal quarantine restrictions inside the Czech Republic. Movement is restricted and non-essential businesses are closed. 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 Czech Republic has begun requiring workers from “red countries” to be tested for the COVID-19 virus 14 days after entering the country.

Key Points:

  • Foreign workers who entered the country on or after Aug. 25 and who are not from a country that is on the Czech Republic’s list of low-risk countries must take a second RT-PCR COVID-19 test after they have been in the country for 14 days.
  • The test is also required for any foreign nationals who have spent more than 12 hours in the past 14 days in any country that is not on the list of low-risk countries.
  • Employees must provide their test results to their employers or a client for whom they are working.
  • The new rule does not apply to international transport workers supported by appropriate documentation; it does apply to both foreign students and teachers.
  • The countries for which tests are not required are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, the United Kingdom and Vatican City.
  • Belgium, Bulgaria, Luxembourg and Malta currently appear on the low-risk list, but with an asterisk. Officials are requiring tests after 14 days for workers from these countries.

Analysis & Comments: Rules are being tightened for foreign workers from “red countries,” e.g., Russia, Turkey and the United States, that are not considered low-risk for the spread of COVID-19. Employers should make sure employees from such countries complete the test as required after 14 days. 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 Czech Republic recently relaxed travel restrictions for foreign travelers.

Key Points:

  • Foreign travelers coming from countries on the low-risk list are allowed to enter the Czech Republic. The list includes most EU/Schengen Area countries and six from outside of Europe: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Thailand. (A link to the list can be found in the second section of the Ministry of the Interior Web page.) Third-country nationals from countries not on the low-risk list are prohibited from entering, except for the individuals listed below. Foreign nationals who are temporary or permanent residents of countries not on the low-risk list are also prohibited from entering, unless they hold a Czech Republic permit or visa.
  • The following individuals are allowed to enter the country:
    • Foreign nationals with a long-term residence permit or permanent residence permit for residence in countries with a low risk of COVID-19.
    • Holders of a valid long-term visa or a long-term, temporary or permanent residence permit card for residence in the Czech Republic.
    • Foreign nationals with a short-term visa issued by the Czech Republic after May 11.
    • Foreign nationals whose entry into the country is in the interest of the Czech Republic, with a reason for entry supported by adequate documentation.
    • International transport workers with a reason for entry supported by adequate documentation.
    • Diplomats and officials of international organizations registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Foreign travelers entering the Czech Republic are required to have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR medical test certificate issued by a doctor or public health authority no more than four days before entry, combined with a laboratory confirmation. Foreign travelers entering the country without these documents are subject to 14-day quarantine.
  • EU nationals and non-EU nationals with EU long-term resident status may enter the Czech Republic without a negative PCR test and do not have to prove the purpose of travel if they are arriving from a low-risk country.
  • The Czech Republic has begun to open up embassies and consulates around the world. As of July 15, 16 of its diplomatic missions abroad had fully resumed operations, while 28 had partially resumed them. Check this website for up-to-date information.

Analysis & Comments: The relaxing of travel restrictions for foreign travelers coming from low-risk countries is good news for employers wishing to send employees to the Czech Republic. 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

Bahrain recently extended visit visa validity to provide relief to some visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key points:

  • Officials extended the validity of expired and valid visit visas for three months.
  • For all types of resident permits, fees will not be collected until the end of the year for rectifying problems.

Additional information: In the first week of April, Bahrain implemented restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 such as cancelling visas on arrival until further notice and banning entry for most international passengers.

Analysis & Comments: The visit visa validity extension will impact the movement of people into Bahrain and the stays of people who are already there. 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 government has updated its immigration policies and requirements for some foreign nationals.

Key Points:

  • As of May 11, the Key and Scientific Personnel program will be renewed. Foreign nationals and their family members who are registered in this program and whose entry DV/R visas will be issued after May 11, will be allowed to enter the Czech Republic.
  • Highly qualified and qualified staff programs will only be renewed for select medical and social service workers.
  • Entry will be granted to DV/R visa holders.
  • Entry will be granted to citizens of the European Union who enter the Czech Republic to carry out an economic activity or to study at a university.
  • The Czech Republic has introduced an extra 60 days after the state of emergency ends May 17, for foreign nationals whose residence permit/visa expired during the state of emergency and were not able to leave the country. Within these 60 days (i.e., until July 17) they should obtain an exit order and leave the Czech Republic in accordance with the Act on Foreigners.

Additional information: All foreign nationals mentioned above must provide a medical certificate issued by a doctor or public health authority, confirming the completion of an RT-PCR test with a negative result not more than four days old for the presence of SARS CoV-2, together with confirmation issued by the relevant laboratory. Foreign nationals must complete the test at their own expense. Employers are reminded that they must provide employees with accommodation, medical care and transport to and from work.

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.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Authorities have suspended flights to and from China and stopped the issuance of visas at Czech visa centers amid the coronavirus outbreak. Officials have carved out an exception for family members of Czech nationals, who may apply for short-term Schengen visas by contacting the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Shanghai to set up an appointment date.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas /permits affected: Visas issued at Czech visa centers in China.
  • Who is affected: Anyone submitting Czech visa applications in China; an exception has been provided for family members of Czech nationals.

Additional information: The Czech Republic has so far tested more than 70 people both from and outside of the city of Wuhan. The government did not specify the nationality of the people who were tested. All tests have come back negative.

Analysis & Comments: Companies employing foreign workers coming from China may experience delays and disruptions related to employee mobility and availability. Employers should anticipate further restrictions regarding Chinese nationals and travel from China.

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.