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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.
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.
IMPACT – HIGH
The Philippines has lifted a ban on travel to Hong Kong and Macau for Overseas Filipino Workers, students, and permanent residents.
Key Points:
Analysis & Comments: The change will allow a host of Overseas Filipino Workers, students, and permanent residents to return to Hong Kong and Macau after being unable to travel because of the coronavirus outbreak. Entry bans remain in effect for travelers from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, though officials are moving to provide a greater number of exemptions.
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.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Philippines has lifted the ban on travelers from Taiwan, which was put in place last week as part of the country’s bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Background: The Philippines imposed an entry ban this month that covered travelers from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. It was initially unclear whether this ban applied to travelers from Taiwan as well. The Bureau of Immigration said last week that it would apply to Taiwan, but officials reversed this decision within a matter of days.
Analysis & Comments: The change is welcome news for foreign nationals who reside or have spent time in Taiwan and are planning to travel to the Philippines. The ban remains in effect, however, for mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The response to the coronavirus is evolving rapidly, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.
What is the change? The Bureau of Immigration confirmed Monday that the country’s coronavirus-related entry restrictions apply to travelers from Taiwan.
What does the change mean? Foreign nationals will not be able to enter the Philippines if they have been to mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan in the past 14 days. The ban does not apply to Filipino nationals or permanent residents. However, individuals who are exempt will be subject to quarantine upon their return to the Philippines.
Background: The Philippines expanded its entry ban earlier this month to include all parts of mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. It was initially unclear whether this ban applied to travelers from Taiwan as well, but the Bureau of Immigration authorities confirmed Monday that it does.
Analysis & Comments: Employers should be aware of the expanded entry ban. The response to the coronavirus is evolving rapidly, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.
What is the change? The Philippines has expanded travel restrictions to and from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau because of the coronavirus.
What does the change mean? Foreign nationals will not be able to travel to and enter the Philippines from Mainland China or the Special Administrative Regions. Additionally, Filipinos are banned from traveling to the aforementioned regions. Exempt nationals traveling from these regions will be subject to quarantine.
Analysis & Comments: Employers should note the temporary travel ban and reconsider filing immigration applications for workers from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau until the ban is lifted. Deloitte will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available.
What is the change? The government has suspended issuing visas upon arrival to all Chinese nationals in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
What does the change mean? Chinese nationals cannot receive a visa upon arrival until further notice and must obtain a visa before traveling to the Philippines.
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.
Analysis & Comments: The government hopes the suspension will slow down travel and thereby aid in preventing the spread of the virus. It should be noted that Chinese nationals are not barred from entering the Philippines. Deloitte will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available.
What is the news? The Philippines’ mandatory annual reporting period for foreign nationals opened Jan. 1 and will close Feb. 28.
What does it mean? All foreign nationals holding immigrant and non-immigrant visas as well as an alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-card) must complete the annual reporting requirement within the first 60 days of each calendar year.
Next steps: All ACR I-card holders should plan to register in person during the reporting period or have an authorized third party complete the annual reporting on their behalf.
Additional information: Foreign nationals who hold an ACR I-card are required to report annually to the appropriate Bureau of Immigration office during the first two months of the year, and must provide their original ACR I-card, valid passport, and pay the annual reporting fee. Because Feb. 29 is a Saturday, this requirement must be fulfilled no later than Feb. 28. Those who have permission to send a third party to complete registration on their behalf must provide the above documentation as well as a notarized special power of attorney, and the third party must show a government-issued ID.
Analysis and Comments: Foreign nationals are encouraged to complete registration procedures as early as possible to avoid the rush before the deadline.
What is the change? Officials in Metro Manilla have said that Dec. 20 will be the last day to submit Alien Employment Permit (AEP) applications before the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Analysis & Comments: AEP applications should be submitted no later than Dec. 20 if employers want processing to begin before the holiday. Employers should also note that applications will be limited to 150 per company on Dec. 19 and 20. The release of AEP cards will continue through Christmas week, except on Dec. 24 and 25.
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.
Authorities in the Philippines continue to allow most Alien Employment Permit applicants to use third parties to submit their applications despite an earlier advisory that indicated this practice would end in October.
Key points:
Analysis & Comments: Most companies in the Philippines can continue to follow their previous practices for AEP application submission and pick-up. POGOs should take note of the change and coordinate with foreign employees on both the submission of AEP applications and the retrieval of AEPs.
Source: 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.
What is the change? The Department of Labor and Employment has introduced a new requirement for Alien Employment Permit (AEP) applications.
What does the change mean? Employers must now submit a Board Resolution authorizing and designating the signatory for the contract of employment and other supporting documents.
Additional information: AEP applications must be submitted with a Board Resolution that designates and authorizes a company signatory unless the signatory’s name already appears on the General Information Sheet for the sponsoring entity. The company signatory must be in a managerial position and must be the one to sign both the contract of employment and other supporting documents.
Analysis and Comments: The change adds a new step for AEP applications requiring the sponsoring company to submit a Board Resolution authorizing the signatory. Companies may choose to have a managing executive who appears on the General Information Sheet or Secretary’s Certificate sign employment contracts and AEP supporting documents as an alternative to submitting Board Resolutions. However, it is possible that a Board Resolution will be required even if the signatory is already listed on the General Information Sheet or Secretary’s Certificate. Employers should consult their immigration advisor to consider the most effective practice for their global mobility program.