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IMPACT – HIGH What is the change? The Hong Kong Department of Health has implemented mandatory quarantine for travelers from Iran and parts of Italy.
What does the change mean? Upon arrival in Hong Kong, travelers who have been in Iran, or any of three regions in Italy (Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna) in the past 14 days will be placed in a quarantine center. The quarantine requirement applies to all travelers who have been in Iran and the Italian regions, including residents of Hong Kong. The quarantine duration was not specified, but quarantine for travelers to Hong Kong from parts of South Korea and mainland China is 14 days.
Background: The new Hong Kong quarantine measure was implemented to halt the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Prior to announcing the measure, on Feb. 28, the Hong Kong government issued outbound travel alerts for both Iran and the same three regions in Italy. The alerts stated that travel to these areas constitutes a significant threat and that travelers from Hong Kong should adjust travel plans and avoid non-essential travel. According to a Center for Health Protection document, Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna are the three Italian regions with the largest number of COVID-19 virus cases. Iran has also recently experienced a surge in the number of cases, including some fatalities. Analysis & Comments: The quarantine measure for travelers from Iran and Italy is Hong Kong’s latest effort to halt the spread of COVID-19.Those planning travel to Hong Kong from Iran and the affected Italian regions may wish to reconsider their plans. The response to the COVID-19 outbreak 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 change? The Immigration Department (ImmD) has announced it will continue to limit services this week in response to the coronavirus.
Additional information: The ImmD has limited services for the past three weeks in effort to address coronavirus. The full list of services available this week is available here.
Analysis & Comments: The availability of immigration services depends on the location and type of service, with some offices remaining open during normal business hours but only providing some services. Other ImmD offices such as most Smart ID Card Replacement Centers will remain closed. Those who had made an appointment for immigration services during this time may visit the relevant office after March 1 without needing to make a new appointment. The ImmD will continue to review the temporary measures and announce further details. Deloitte is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available. Those in need of assistance are encouraged to contact Deloitte.
Additional information: The ImmD has limited services for the past two weeks in effort to address coronavirus. The full list of services available this week is available here.
Analysis & Comments: The availability of immigration services depends on the location and type of service, with some offices remaining open during normal business hours but only providing some services. Other ImmD offices such as most Smart ID Card Replacement Centers will remain closed. Those who had made an appointment for immigration services during this time may visit the relevant office after Feb. 23 without needing to make a new appointment. The ImmD will continue to review the temporary measures and announce further details. Deloitte is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available. Those in need of assistance are encouraged to contact Deloitte.
IMPACT – HIGH
What is the change? The Immigration Department (ImmD) has announced that it will continue to limit available services at various locations.
What does the change mean? Some immigration services will not be available from Feb. 10-16.
Analysis and Comments: The temporary limited availability of immigration services depends on the location and type of service, with some offices remaining open during normal business hours but only providing some services. Other ImmD offices such as most Smart ID Card Replacement Centers will remain closed. Those who had made an appointment for immigration services during this time may visit the relevant office after Feb. 16 without needing to make a new appointment. The ImmD will continue to review the temporary measures and announce further details. Deloitte is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available. Those in need of assistance are encouraged to contact Deloitte.
What is the change? Hong Kong has announced that it will impose a 14-day mandatory quarantine on all people entering Hong Kong from mainland China.
What does the change mean? The change comes amid growing concern over the spread of coronavirus and following Hong Kong’s first coronavirus death earlier this week. The new measures will apply to all visitors entering Hong Kong from the mainland, including residents of Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s Immigration Department (ImmD) had previously announced that it would temporarily limit available services in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Analysis & Comments: The measures represent a significant escalation in Hong Kong’s response to coronavirus. Those planning travel between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong are urged to reconsider their plans. Employers should be prepared to be flexible with employee schedules and travel plans. The response to the coronavirus is evolving rapidly, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes as necessary.
What is the change? The Immigration Department (ImmD) has announced that it is temporarily limiting available services at various locations in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus.
What does the change mean? Many immigration services will not be available from Feb. 3-9.
Background: Last week, Hong Kong closed all but essential government offices and mandated government employees work from home following the coronavirus outbreak.
Analysis and Comments: The temporary limited availability of immigration services depends on the location and type of service, with some offices remaining open during normal business hours but only providing some services. Other ImmD offices such as most Smart ID Card Replacement Centres will be temporarily closed. Those who had made an appointment for immigration services during this time may visit the relevant office after Feb. 9 without needing to make a new appointment. The ImmD has stated that it will review the temporary measures and announce further details. Deloitte will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available. Those in need of assistance are encouraged to contact Deloitte.
What is the change? Hong Kong has expanded the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS).
What does the change mean? TechTAS, which provides streamlined visa processing to qualifying companies, is now open to all companies conducting research and development in any of 13 technology areas. Previously, TechTAS was only available to employers in seven technology areas who operated inside the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport. The new technology areas are 5G communications, digital entertainment, green technology, integrated circuit design, the Internet of Things and microelectronics.
Background: Hong Kong launched TechTAS as a pilot program in 2018, kicking off a new effort to attract top international technology talent. Up until now, the program was limited to HKSTPC and Cyberport employers within seven technology fields. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced plans to expand the program last fall. Officials announced on Jan. 30 that the program is now open to any company conducting research and development in any of the following technology areas:
Analysis & Comments: The expansion of TechTAS reflects Hong Kong’s continuing goal of attracting more high-level technology talent. The expanded program will be beneficial to eligible companies in relevant fields.
What is the change? Hong Kong will close government offices and implement a special work arrangement for government employees starting Jan. 29 to prevent the further spread of the Coronavirus.
What does the change mean? Employees in the public sector, with the exception of emergency personnel and essential public service workers, will work from home starting Jan. 29, and government offices will be closed to the public until Feb. 2.
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. Hong Kong SAR has announced the temporary closure of six border control points and suspended railway and ferry travel to and from Mainland China effective from the early hours of Jan. 30 until further notice.
Analysis & Comments: Employers should note government closure dates and prepare for delays when moving employees from to Hong Kong and when filing immigration applications in-country. Deloitte will continue to monitor closures and subsequent delays.
What is the change? Hong Kong has updated the training visa application process for Chinese nationals who are studying abroad and planning to come to Hong Kong for an internship.
What does the change mean? Chinese nationals studying abroad can now apply for training visas on the basis of their People’s Republic of China (PRC) passport. This is true whether they are entering Hong Kong from mainland China or another country.
Background: Training visas are typically required for foreign national students, including Chinese nationals, coming to Hong Kong for an internship. Up until now, Chinese nationals studying abroad could apply for a training visa on the basis of their PRC passport if they were entering Hong Kong from abroad. If they were entering Hong Kong from China, they were required to apply for a training visa on the basis of their Exit-Entry Permit. Under a change that took effect late last year, Chinese nationals can now apply for a training visa on the basis of their PRC passport regardless of whether they are arriving in Hong Kong from mainland China or another country. Chinese nationals studying in China are to continue applying for a training visa on the basis of their Exit-Entry Permit and enter Hong Kong from China for an internship.
Analysis & Comments: The change is a welcome development that will ease training visa application procedures for Chinese students studying abroad.
Authorities in Hong Kong are warning of an email scam where overseas individuals are targeted, promised work and asked to provide personal information and money.
Key Points:
Analysis & Comments: Foreign nationals are encouraged to remain vigilant against possible scams, not to turn over personal information if targeted, and to report suspicious emails to authorities.
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.