IMPACT – HIGH

The European Union has encouraged member states to lift restrictions on travel from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and 10 other countries. Travel from all other countries – including Brazil, India, Russia and the United States – will remain restricted, with limited exceptions.

Key Points:

• Restrictions on travel from 14 countries will be lifted July 1. Restrictions on travel to European Union and Schengen Area countries will be lifted for residents of Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay. Restrictions on travel for residents of China may also be lifted, but only if China lifts its restrictions on travel from EU countries.
• Restrictions on travel from all other countries will remain in place. Current rules against non-essential travel for residents of all other countries will remain in place. Member states are encouraged to make exemptions for EU citizens and their family members, long-term EU residents and their family members and travelers “with an essential function or need,” including highly-skilled workers. Additional information about how these exemptions will be implemented in individual member states is expected soon
• Officials will reassess travel policies every two weeks. Countries may be added to or removed from the “safe” list, depending on COVID-19 conditions and other factors, including any restrictions on travel from the EU.
• Most internal travel restrictions have been lifted. While some checks remain in place on internal EU borders, most have been lifted. Nationals of the United Kingdom are permitted to travel freely within Europe under transitional Brexit arrangements. Residents of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican are considered EU residents for the purposes of the EU’s recommendations.

Analysis & Comments: The changes represent the most significant steps European countries have taken to reopen their borders since the EU halted non-essential travel in March. While travel will remain off-limits for most countries, including many that are struggling with high COVID-19 infection rates, additional countries may be added in weeks to come. Employers are encouraged to work closely with Deloitte when planning travel to the EU and should note that a number of countries have implemented restrictions on travel from Europe. Most foreign nationals are currently barred from entering the U.S., for example, if they have been physically present in any Schengen Area country, the United Kingdom or Ireland in the past 14 days. 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 European Commission has recommended that Schengen Member States and Schengen Associated States lift internal border controls and prolong the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU until June 30. The European Commission has also set forth a plan to progressively lift the non-essential travel restriction.

Key Points:

• The European Commission recommends lifting internal border controls as of this week. Some controls remain in place, however. The EU commission has launched a web platform to support a safe relaunch of travelling and tourism across Europe.
• The European Commission recommends prolonging the current restrictions on non-essential travel until June 30 and preparing a list of those third countries for which travel restrictions can be lifted starting July 1.
• The European Commission has recommended that the travel ban be lifted on July 1 for travelers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Other countries may be added to this list before July 1 based on agreed upon criteria.
• For nationals of third countries for which the travel ban will remain in force, the following additional exemptions should be applicable:
• Highly qualified third-country workers if their employment is necessary from an economic perspective and the work cannot be postponed or performed abroad.
• Third-country nationals traveling for the purpose of study.
• EU citizens and citizens of Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, and third- country nationals legally residing in the European Union, as well as their family members, regardless of whether or not they are returning home. Member states are also permitted to take appropriate measures such as requiring such persons to undergo self-isolation upon arrival.

Additional information: The travel ban was introduced in March and applied to all non-essential travel with several exceptions such as for healthcare workers, etc.

Analysis & Comments: Nationals of certain third countries, for which the ban on non-essential travel will be lifted, will be allowed to travel to the EU as of July 1. For nationals of other countries, for whom the travel ban will remain applicable, the additional exemption for highly qualified workers is expected to allow more travel options as of July 1. Employers can rearrange travel schedules of affected workers accordingly. Deloitte will continue following this matter and 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 majority of EU Member States have agreed to lift internal border controls and travel restrictions by June 15.

Key Points:

• The remaining Member States are planning to lift restrictions by the end of the month.
• The EU’s 27 home affairs ministers have decided to extend the ban on third-country nationals entering EU Member States from abroad until at least July 1.
• The Commission is expected to propose clear criteria for the lifting of controls at the external borders in a coordinated manner over the course of next days.

Background: In March, EU Member States agreed to an initial 30-day halt to inbound travel from outside the EU.

Analysis & Comments: Member States have agreed to discuss a unified approach to easing travel restrictions from outside the EU. 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

European Union member states have agreed to halt non-essential travel from outside the EU in a bid to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Member states will begin implementing the ban this week.

Key Points:

• Most travel from outside the EU will be halted for a period of 30 days. The plan will then be reviewed.
• Exempt from the ban are EU nationals returning to the EU, non EU-nationals who are long-term residents in the EU under either EU or national law, those who hold national long-term visas, diplomats, healthcare workers, experts working to mitigate COVID-19, people transporting goods and frontier workers who legally commute across EU borders for work.
• Travel between the EU and the United Kingdom will be permitted. The U.K. and Ireland, which is a member of the EU but not the Schengen Area, have been invited to join the EU in imposing restrictions.
• The ban will also apply to travel to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. These four countries are not members of the EU but are members of the Schengen Area.

Analysis & Comments: The ban represents an escalation of the EU’s efforts to confront COVID-19 and will have significant consequences on business travel. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange schedules accordingly. Deloitte will continue following this matter and will provide 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 change? The European Commission has recommended that Croatia join the Schengen Area.

What does the change mean? If all Schengen member states accept the recommendation, Croatians would enjoy free movement among the 26 countries currently in the Schengen Area.

• Effective date: To be determined.
• Visas/permits affected: Tourist, business and work visas.
• Who is affected: Croatians tourist and business travelers.
• What’s next: EU member states must now approve Croatia’s admission into the Schengen Area.

Background: Croatia joined the European Union in 2013 and later requested to join the Schengen Area. The European Commission recently announced that Croatia has met the criteria to join the border-free area and has recommended Croatia be admitted to the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area is made up of 26 countries and allows free movement to member countries. Individuals holding a Schengen member state passport or ID card can travel freely within the free-movement area. Along with Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania have also applied but have not yet been admitted.

Analysis & Comments: The change is good news for Croatia and could facilitate business and tourist activity. Nevertheless, the recommendation does not ensure entry as all EU member states in the Schengen Area must uphold the commission’s decision, and it is not certain how each state will vote. If the decision is upheld, individuals traveling within Europe, and between Schengen member states, will find it easier to travel to Croatia for both tourism and business. However, Croatian immigration authorities will determine the business activities permitted under a Schengen “C” visa.

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. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? EU officials are moving toward adopting new visa rules for short-term business travelers and tourists.

What does the change mean? Under the plan, visa-required nationals planning travel to the Schengen Area would enjoy simpler application procedures, a wider application window, faster processing times and longer visa validity. Schengen Area countries with external borders would be able to issue single-visit tourist visas at the border. Visa fees would increase and visa policy would, in some cases, be tied to a country’s cooperation with the EU on such issues as irregular migration. The EU Parliament is set to vote on the plan this week.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Schengen (C type) visas.
• Who is affected: Travelers from any of the 105 countries whose nationals require a visa to travel to the Schengen Area.
• Impact on processing times: Schengen visas would be processed in 10 days instead of the current 15 days.
• Business impact: The changes would offer greater flexibility for frequent travelers and those with urgent travel needs.
• Next steps: The reforms would take effect six months from the date of publication in the Official Journal.

Additional information: The proposed changes include:

• Easier application procedures. In most cases, travelers would be able to submit applications from their country of residence. Travelers may also submit the application form electronically if the option is available.
• A wider application window. Travelers would be able to submit applications within six months before travel rather than the current three months.
• Faster processing times. Schengen visas would be processed in 10 days rather than the current 15 days.
• Single-entry visas at external borders. Schengen countries would be permitted, under strict regulation, to issue single-entry visas at external EU borders for stays of up to seven days.The visas would be valid in the issuing country and for tourism purposes only.
• Five-year visas. Frequent travelers with a clean visa history would be eligible for multiple-entry visas with validity that would increase over time from one year to a maximum of five years.
• Fee increases. Government processing fees for Schengen visas would increase from the current €60 to €80. Minors between 6 and 18 years of age would potentially be exempt from fees.
• Visa policies tied to cooperation from other countries. Schengen visa policy would be linked to the cooperation of other countries in readmitting nationals who have irregular status or overstay their visas in the Schengen Area.

Analysis & Comments: The proposals would offer greater flexibility for those traveling to the Schengen Area for business or tourism. They would particularly benefit frequent travelers and those with urgent travel needs.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

As the United Kingdom prepares to leave the European Union, the potential impact on colleagues and staff is high on the agenda for thousands of businesses. While debates about the future immigration system are important, HR directors and line managers face practical questions from staff about their position today. Deloitte and the CBI have collaborated to create a practical guide for employers of any size looking to support their EU staff and business operations through Brexit. The electronic version of the guide is available on the CBI website and will be updated once the system is launched fully on or after March 30.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the reminder? Although an EU regulation that removes legalization requirements for documents issued by one EU country and submitted in another EU country took effect Feb. 16, immigration authorities in some EU countries, including Italy and Spain, have not yet fully implemented it.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals submitting public documents such as birth, marriage, death, divorce or criminal background certificates that were issued by an EU country should anticipate that they may be requested to obtain authentication and translation of the documents.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• Documents affected: Public documents issued by an EU country and submitted to authorities in another EU country in support of immigration-related applications.
• Business impact: Applicants submitting affected documents may need to continue to have documents apostilled and officially translated as countries work to adopt the new simpler processes.

Background: Under Regulation 2016/1191, applicants submitting documents issued by an EU member country are no longer required to have them apostilled by the issuing authority. The regulation also abolishes the requirement that a certified copy be submitted with an official translation. The regulation was approved by the EU in June 2016 and member states had until Feb. 15, 2019 to adopt them.

Analysis & Comments: EU and non-EU nationals applying for immigration services should be aware that not all EU member states have fully implemented the regulation and should check with local authorities to determine whether they are still required to obtain apostilles and certified translations for documents.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? An EU regulation that took effect Saturday removes cumbersome authentication procedures for documents issued in one EU country and submitted to the authorities of another EU country.

What does the change mean? Applicants submitting documents issued by an EU member state, such as records relating to birth, marriage, death, divorce and criminal background, no longer need to have them apostilled by the issuing authority. The regulation also abolishes the requirement of submitting a certified copy with an official translation.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Public records issued by an EU member country for purposes of recognition in another EU country.
• Business impact: The rules reduce bureaucracy and ease requirements for applicants intending to work or reside within the EU.
• Next steps: Applicants may now submit documents issued by an EU country to authorities in another EU country without obtaining an apostille stamp verifying that they are authentic. Additionally, documents that need to be translated no longer need a certified translation, and a standard EU translation form may be used instead. The full regulation including the list of affected documents may be viewed here.

Background: The rules were adopted by the EU in June 2016 under Regulation 2016/1191 and EU member states had until Feb. 15, 2019 to adopt them. Approximately 17 million EU citizens live in an EU country other than their own.

Analysis & Comments: The rules simplify procedures and reduce the number of steps in the document-gathering process. The regulations apply to all foreign nationals, including EU nationals and third-country nationals, who are submitting documents that were originally issued by another EU country.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

European governments adjust their minimum salary thresholds annually based on local and national economic statistics, among other factors. While changes to national minimum salary thresholds do not always impact high-skilled labor, they may be used as a basis for calculating salary requirements for high-skilled work permit categories. At the beginning of each new year, many EU countries make specific adjustments to salaries for EU Blue Cards, intracompany transfers and other work permit categories.

In January 2019, the following EU countries rolled out salary-minimum adjustments:

Austria: Austria increased the salary minimums for EU Blue Cards and Red-White-Red Cards in 2019. EU Blue Card applicants and holders must now earn at least €4,447. For Red-White-Red Cards, applicants who are older than 30 must earn at least €3,132, applicants younger than 30 must earn at least €2,610 and graduates of Austrian universities must earn at least €2,349.

Bulgaria: The minimum salary has increased to 560 lev (about US$325 or €286) as of Jan. 1. In Bulgaria, the EU Blue Card minimum salary is not connected to the national minimum salary, but must be 1.5 times higher the average gross salary according to the official data available for the last 12 months preceding the signing of the employment contract. For ICT permits, the salary must exceed that of local employees’ salaries.

Czech Republic: The minimum salary level has increased to 13,350 korunas (about US$593 or €522) as of Jan. 1. Regarding the salary minimums for EU Blue Cards and ICT permits, the previous rules are unchanged. Therefore, the salary for the employee card cannot be less than the national minimum wage and the salary for the Blue Card must be at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary (354,048 korunas per year for 2019).

Denmark: The minimum salary for foreign nationals working in Denmark under the Pay Limit Scheme has increased to 35,583 kroner (about US$5,414 or €3,629) per month (exclusive of employer benefits). The government has also announced amendments to the Positive List and released new government fees for the year. Further information on this year’s changes may be found here.

Finland: As of Jan. 1, the minimum gross monthly salary for new and renewal work residence permit applications is €1,211 (unless a collective agreement exists, in which case the salary should correspond with the collective agreement). The minimum gross monthly salary for EU Blue Card applications has also increased to €4,732 as of Jan. 1. While the salary threshold for Special Expert residence permits will remain the same, €3,000 per month, authorities have confirmed that per diems and other similar nontaxable reimbursements of expenses can no longer form a part of the income/salary requirement as of Jan. 7. This also applies to EU Blue Card applications. Read more here.

France: France increased its monthly minimum salary to €1,521.22 per month for 2019. For the Passport Talent category the new monthly minimum salary is €2,738.20 for employees on assignment and €3,042.44 for salarié qualifié. Find more details on the specific categories here.

Poland: Poland has increased minimum salary requirements for workers on local employment contracts, posted workers and ICT mobility permit holders. Authorities have also put in place new minimum income thresholds for residence permits. Foreign workers on local employment contracts must earn at least 2,250 złoty (about US$596 or €524) per month. Posted workers and ICT mobility permit holders must be paid according to the applicable regional salary minimum. Residency permit holders must be supported by an income of at least 528 zloty per month. Read more here.

Portugal: Portugal’s monthly minimum wage for foreign workers for 2019 has increased from €580 to €600. The minimum monthly wage for highly skilled workers, including EU Blue Card holders among others, has increased to €1,307.28. Read more here.

Romania:   As of the end of 2018, minimum salary requirements for foreigners are based on job type and education level, and not the national minimum salary. The minimum salaries required for foreigners in 2019 are currently as follows:

• 2,080 leu (about US$495) for employees hired on jobs which require a high-school degree
• 2,350 leu for employees hired on jobs which require a university degree and one plus year of seniority
• 3,000 leu for employees hired in the construction industry
• 8,324 leu for high-skilled workers (adjustments anticipated for February)

Adjustments to Salary Minimums (Monthly) for 2019
EU Countries	National Minimum (Low-Skilled Work)	EU Blue Card	High-Skilled Work Permits (vary by country)
Austria	Not applicable.	€4,447	Red-White-Red Card Applicants older than 30: €3,132   Applicants younger than 30: €2,610   Graduates of Austrian universities: €2,349
Bulgaria	560 lev (about US$325 or€286)	No adjustments announced.	Work Permit- Local Hire and Assignment Salary cannot be less than the national minimum wage.
Czech Republic	13,350 koruna (about US$593 or€522)	No adjustments announced.	No additional adjustments announced at time of publishing.
Denmark	Not applicable.	No adjustments announced.	Pay Limit Scheme 35,583 kroner per month (about US$5,414 or€3,629)
Finland	€1,211	€4,732	No additional changes announced.
France	€1,521.22	No adjustments announced.	Employee on Assignment €2,738.20   Salarié qualifié €3,042.44
Poland	2,250 złoty (about US$596 or €524)	Adjustment-s anticipated in February.	Minimum salaries for high-skilled workers vary regionally – find a breakdown here.
Portugal	€600	€1,307.28	€1,307.28
Romania	2,080 leu (about US$495 or €437)	No adjustments announced.	Adjustments anticipated in February.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should account for the changes to salary thresholds when budgeting for 2019.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.