IMPACT – HIGH

The Philippines lifted a ban on travel to the Philippines from over 30 countries and regions on Feb. 1.

Key Points:

  • Though the travel ban was lifted, some travel restrictions remain in place. All arriving travelers must present proof of a pre-booked accommodation for at least seven nights in an accredited quarantine facility/hotel. Foreign nationals who fail to present this proof will be denied entry and boarded immediately on the next available flight.
  • Current restrictions only allow the entry of certain groups of travelers, including accredited foreign diplomats and personnel of accredited international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations, foreign dignitaries, and travelers on medical and emergency cases, including their medical escorts. The latest information on the specific groups of travelers who are permitted to enter the Philippines can be found here.

Background: The travel ban that was recently lifted was implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 variants.

Analysis & Comments: Employers who intend to send employees to the Philippines may wish to consult with Deloitte to discuss their plans. 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Philippines recently announced foreign nationals with investor’s visas and certain other categories will be allowed to enter the country soon.

 Key Points:

  • Effective Nov. 1, foreign nationals with investor’s visas, 47A2 visas from the Department of Justice, and visas from the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone, the Freeport Authority and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority will be allowed to enter the Philippines.
  • These travelers must possess a valid existing visa at the time of entry and pre-book their stay at an accredited quarantine facility.

Analysis & Comments: Allowing a limited number of foreign nationals in certain categories to enter the country soon will increase movement into the Philippines. 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 – MEDIUM

The Bureau of Immigration recently announced it will lift the antigen test requirement for outbound travel beginning Nov. 1.

Key Points:

  • Travelers will still need to comply with requirements to present negative COVID-19 test certificates if they are required by the country of destination.
  • Travelers leaving under a tourist visa will also need to present a round-trip ticket, and will be required to sign a declaration acknowledging the risks of travelling, which will be given to them by the airline upon check-in.
  • Travelers arriving in the Philippines are required to have a pre-booked accredited quarantine facility before they arrive, and are subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers set by airport authorities. After they have completed the immigration inspection procedures, arriving passengers will proceed to the one-stop shop in the airports, where they will be tested and referred to their assigned quarantine facility.

Background: Also effective Nov. 1, foreign nationals with investor’s visas, 47A2 visas from the Department of Justice, and visas from the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone, the Freeport Authority and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority will be allowed to enter the Philippines.

Analysis & Comments: Lifting the antigen test requirement for outbound travel will make leaving the Philippines easier, but some travel requirements remain in place. 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 Philippines Bureau of Immigration has clarified its policy on whether foreign spouses of Filipino citizens can enter the country.

Key points:

  • Foreign spouses of Filipino citizens are allowed to enter the Philippines if they have a valid visa previously issued to them by the Bureau of Immigration. They do not need to obtain an entry visa from their port of origin.
  • Foreign spouses of Filipino citizens are also allowed to enter the country if they have a valid 9(g) working visa or a Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SSRV). Foreign spouses with these visas do not need to apply for a new entry visa from Philippine consulates abroad.
  • Foreign spouses of Filipino citizens who do not have a valid visa are required to obtain an entry visa to enter the Philippines. Foreign spouses of Filipino citizens with expired Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Cards (ACR I-Cards) will need to renew them before traveling to the Philippines.

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 – MEDIUM

The Philippines recently announced the relaxing of travel restrictions for foreign nationals.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals with long-term visas will be allowed to enter the country beginning Aug. 1. Their visas must be valid as no new entry visa applications will be accepted.
  • Foreign nationals with long-term visas wishing to enter the country must secure a pre-booked accredited quarantine facility and a pre-booked COVID-19 testing provider.
  • Their ability to enter the country is also subject to the maximum capacity of inbound travelers at the port and day of entry. Overseas Filipinos returning to the Philippines shall have priority for entering.

Analysis & Comments: The relaxing of travel restrictions for foreign nationals with valid long-term visas is good news for employers wishing to send employees to the Philippines. 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 Philippines recently extended the quarantine in metro Manila to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • The General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in metro Manila has been extended to July 15.
  • The provinces of Benguet, Cavite, Rizal in Luzon and Leyte and Southern Leyte in Visayas will remain under the General Community Quarantine until July 15.
  • The cities and municipalities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Talisay, Minglanilla, Consolacion, and Ormoc will remain under the GCQ until July 15 as well.
  • Cebu City will remain under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) until July 15.
  • The Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) will remain in effect for the other regions of the Philippines. Under this least restricted quarantine, restaurants, cinemas and gyms are allowed to reopen at half capacity. Public transportation may operate and public gatherings are allowed with limitations

Background: The government announced the third week of May the modified enhanced community quarantine in metro Manila would remain in effect until May 31.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should expect temporary restrictions on the movements of employees in cities and provinces that remain under quarantine. It is possible the quarantines will be extended. 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 Philippines has lifted the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila, as it moves to general community quarantine (GCQ).

Key Points:

  • International flight restrictions continue. Only overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Filipino citizens and their spouses and dependents, permanent residents and foreign diplomats may enter the country. All foreign nationals can leave anytime but Filipinos are not allowed to leave unless they are OFWs, permanent residents or holders of student visas in their country of destination.
  • As of June 1, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has implemented an online appointment system at its main office in Intramuros, Manila, in compliance with physical distancing protocols. Only those with appointment codes will be served during their specified date and time.
  • The Department of Labour and Employment has issued guidelines for AEP filing and issuance, covering the online submission process for the following steps: company registration; filing of new/renewal of AEP applications; release of AEP cards; and AEP cancellation requests. The department has also engaged a courier service for the delivery of approved AEP cards. This service will be available as of June 2. Full details can be found here.

Background: Last month, much of the country moved into GCQ, with the exception of Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu City.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

President Rodrigo Duterte has announced that metro Manila, as well as several other regions, will remain under modified enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until May 31.

Key Points:

  • Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu City are to remain under modified ECQ.
  • The rest of the country is now under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Additional information: Under modified ECQ, the movement of people will continue to be severely restricted. However, local governments may allow the public transportation to resume on a limited basis, certain industries to operate at half capacity, and persons to leave their houses for essential goods and work.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Philippines has implemented changes to departure procedures for foreign nationals leaving the country.

Key Points:

  • Departing holders of approved and implemented visas who have not yet received their ACR I-Card are no longer required to obtain an ACR I-Card Waiver Order. They will instead present the following when clearing immigration at the airport:
    • Original passport with implemented visa
    • Official receipt (original or photocopy) of the ACR I-Card waiver application fee
    • Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)/Return Permit (RP) or ECC/Special Resident Certificate (SRC) fee, whichever is applicable
  • Foreign nationals with approved but unimplemented visas can depart the country without submitting their passports for visa stamping, as is normally the case. They will instead present the following when clearing immigration at the airport:
    • Original passport
    • Printout of their name on the agenda list when the visa was approved
    • Department of Justice endorsement or certification from the approving office, whichever is applicable
    • Official receipts of ECC/RP or ECC/SRC fee payment, whichever is applicable
  • Departing Temporary Visitor Visa holders who have stayed in the country for less than one year may obtain their ECC at the airport.
  • The Bureau of Immigration is also suspending biometrics and fingerprinting requirements, as well as the issuance of Special Security Registration Numbers, normally required for ECC processing.

Additional information: Foreign nationals with approved visas who departed in line with the procedures described above must present the applicable receipts to re-enter the Philippines and obtain their visa stamp/ACR I-Card.

Analysis & Comments: The changes to departure procedures are good news for employers, as these will ease the departure and return processes for their foreign national employees. 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

What is the change? The Philippine government has partially lifted the travel ban to South Korea.

What does the change mean? Nationals of the Philippines are now allowed to travel to South Korea, with the exception of North Gyeongsang Province, including Daegu City and Cheongdo County. Travelers from these South Korean locations are temporarily banned from entering the Philippines, except for Filipinos and their foreign spouses and children, holders of Philippine permanent resident visas and members of the diplomatic corps.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing from March 3.
  • Visas/permits affected: Any Philippine visa used for travel to South Korea, and visas used to travel from the banned locations.
  • Who is affected: All travelers from the Philippines to South Korea and travelers from the banned South Korean areas to the Philippines.
  • Business impact: The partial lifting of the travel ban will affect all forms of travel to and from the South Korean target areas, including travel for business.
  • Next steps: Employers should expect that employees who are in the banned areas will not be allowed to enter the Philippines, and that Filipino nationals will not be allowed to visit the banned areas.

Background: Nationals of the Philippines traveling to South Korean locations other than the three banned areas will be given a health declaration form to read and sign to acknowledge they understand the risks of such travel. They will also be given a health advisory pamphlet. For South Korean travelers from locations other than the banned areas visiting the Philippines, strict protocols will be followed.

Analysis & Comments: The Philippines Bureau of Immigration implemented the temporary South Korea travel ban on Feb. 28. Partially lifting it will make travel between the countries easier, with the exception of the three banned sites. Travelers planning trips to these sites 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.