IMPACT – MEDIUM

Hong Kong’s government has announced enhanced COVID-19 prevention measures for inbound travelers.

Key Points:

  • The government will implement enhanced COVID-19 prevention measures before the Christmas holiday for inbound air travelers in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Medical professionals will collect samples from air travelers when they arrive at Hong Kong International airport. Following testing, the new arrivals will be transported to designated hotels for a 14-day quarantine.
  • Five days after the quarantine is completed they must take a second COVID-19 test. More information about the enhanced arrival rules is available here.

Additional Information: Officials also announced Hong Kong will add Ukraine to its list of specified high-risk places Dec. 17. More information about entry requirements for travelers from such high-risk places is available here.

Analysis & Comments: The enhanced prevention measures will add to the time it takes for inbound air travelers to enter Hong Kong. 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 locations/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

Hong Kong will soon add Belgium to its list of high-risk COVID-19 countries to which additional testing and quarantine requirements apply.

Key Points:

  • The list of high-risk countries now includes Bangladesh, Ethiopia, France, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.
  • Belgium will be added Nov. 3.
  • For more information on the required documents for travelers coming from these locations, please click here.

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

The Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) resumed providing basic and limited public services on Aug. 24.

Key points:

  • The department will resume services at the Immigration headquarters, branch offices, Smart Identity Card Replacement Centers, Registration of Persons offices and at Births, Deaths and Marriage Registries. More information about the types of services available can be found here.
  • The Immigration Department has asked applicants to submit applications through its homepage, mobile application or by post or drop-in to prevent the gathering of crowds.
  • Applicants should expect longer waiting times because of the provision of only basic and limited services and are advised to make an appointment for service. People entering the premises of the Immigration Department are required to wear masks, in accordance with the latest regulations implemented by the government.

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

Hong Kong recently announced new conditions for inbound travelers who have visited certain high-risk countries.

Key points:

  • Inbound travelers who have visited Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa or the United States must provide a report showing they tested negative for the COVID-19 virus. The report must be in English or Chinese and must be issued by a lab or healthcare institution. The name on the report must match the name on the travel document. The test must be taken within 72 hours before the scheduled time of departure.
  • If the test report is not in English or Chinese, or does not contain all the required test information, a written confirmation in English or Chinese from the lab or healthcare institution with the required test information must be presented with the test report. The  name on the written confirmation must match the name on the travel document.
  • Along with the written confirmation, travelers must have both documentary proof in English or Chinese showing that the lab or healthcare institution is ISO 15189 accredited or is recognised or approved by a government authority where it is located and a confirmation in English or Chinese of a Hong Kong hotel room reservation for not less than 14 days starting on the day of arrival.

Analysis & Comments: The new conditions for inbound travelers who have visited the high-risk countries will slow the entry process for them. Employers should take note and arrange employee travel schedules 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

The government has limited in-person transactions to essential and emergency services until at least Aug. 2.

Key Points:

  • The Immigration Department (ImmD) is directing individuals who do not need to submit applications in person to submit them via post, drop-in, online or mobile app.
  • The full list of services available this week is located here.

Additional information: The ImmD has limited services in recent weeks in response to an uptick in COVID-19 infections in Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s response to the pandemic continues to evolve and more information will be provided as it becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries/territories.

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 announced the implementation of several measures to strengthen COVID-19 control efforts in Hong Kong.

Key Points:

  • All persons must wear a mask in indoor public places, including on public transportation, with effect from July 23 (more details here).
  • Travelers from high-risk places (i.e., Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, and South Africa from July 25; and Kazakhstan and the United States from July 29), or who have been to these high-risk places 14 days prior to their flight to Hong Kong must produce a negative COVID-19 test result and a confirmation in English or Chinese of a room reservation at a hotel in Hong Kong for not less than 14 days (more details here).
  • Extension of 14-day quarantine arrangements for inbound travelers from the Mainland, Macao, or Taiwan (including Hong Kong and non-Hong Kong residents) from Aug. 7 to Sept. 7.
  • Extension of 14-day quarantine arrangements for inbound travelers from overseas (including Hong Kong and non-Hong Kong residents) from Sept. 18 to Dec. 31.

Additional information: Please see the official government website for more information.

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

The government has again limited in-person transactions to essential and emergency services.

Key Points:

  • Until at least July 26, the Immigration Department (ImmD) is directing individuals who do not need to submit applications in person to submit them via post, drop-in, online or mobile app.
  • The full list of services available this week is located here.

Additional information: The ImmD announced July 19 that it will limit services in an effort to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 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

Hong Kong has adjusted COVID-19 entry and travel rules.

Key Points:

  • Owing to the severity of the COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong, the government will now require inbound travelers from specific high-risk places, or who have been to high-risk places in the past 14 days, to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result from a recognized laboratory before arriving in Hong Kong.
  • Effective from July 15, all persons must wear a mask at all times when boarding and while on board public transport carriers, and when entering or present in Mass Transit Railway (MTR) paid areas. For more information please click here.
  • For additional information on COVID-19-related restrictions and regulations, click here.

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 jurisdictions.

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

Officials have announced an exception to quarantine requirements for some company directors and executives.

Key Points:

  • The new scheme covers companies that are listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK) and included in the Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, or Hang Seng Composite LargeCap, MidCap or SmallCap Index, representing around 95% of the total market capitalization in Hong Kong. Directors or executives of these listed companies who (1) travel from the Mainland to Hong Kong for essential business activities or (2) return from the Mainland to Hong Kong after completing essential business activities, and satisfy certain eligibility criteria may apply for exemption.
  • The exemption is quota-based and applications will be considered on a task-specific basis. During any calendar month, each of the eligible listed companies can nominate a maximum of two people (directors or executives) for the exemption.
  • Those who are exempted should note that travelers to the Mainland are still subject to the 14-day compulsory quarantine requirement imposed by the Mainland authorities.

Background: For more information, please click here.

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

The government has released updates regarding who may be designated for exemption from the existing Compulsory Quarantine Arrangement Regulation, which will be in force until June 7.

Key Points:

  • Inbound travelers from mainland China, Macau or Taiwan whose entry into Hong Kong is necessary for:
    • The supply of goods or services required for Hong Kong’s normal operation, or the daily needs of the people of Hong Kong.
    • Governmental operation.
    • The protection of the safety or health of the people of Hong Kong, or the handling of the public health emergency.
    • Receiving nursery, kindergarten, primary, or secondary education at any school registered under the Education Ordinance in Hong Kong, or for the provision of such education.
    • Where traveling is necessary for purposes relating to manufacturing operations, business activities, or provision of professional services in the interest of Hong Kong’s economic development.
    • Additional exempt categories can be found here.
  • Inbound travelers from foreign countries whose entry into Hong Kong is necessary for:
    • The supply of goods or services required for Hong Kong’s normal operation, or the daily needs of the people of Hong Kong.
    • Governmental operation.
    • The protection of the safety or health of the people of Hong Kong, or the handling of the public health emergency.
  • Additional exempt categories of foreign nationals can be found here.

Additional information: As of June 5, the Secretary for Food and Health (SFH) is introducing two categories of locations, both inside mainland China and abroad, with regard to compulsory quarantine.

  • Category 1: Travelers arriving from these locations will be subject to compulsory quarantine. At this stage, SFH has specified all places in China outside Hong Kong and all places outside China as Category 1 specified places.
  • Category 2: Travelers will be excluded from compulsory quarantine arrangements subject to meeting certain conditions (such as obtaining a negative COVID-19 test result).

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.