IMPACT – HIGH

South Africa recently lifted COVID-19 entry restrictions for travelers from all countries.

Key Points:

  • Travelers from all countries are now permitted to enter the country, whether traveling for tourism, business or other reasons.
  • COVID-19 testing protocols remain in place (see below).
  • Health protocols remain in effect within South Africa, such as the requirement to wear masks in all public places, practice social distancing and to limit the size of public gatherings. The ban on sales of alcohol and tobacco has been lifted.
  • Testing and entry requirements announced in October remain in effect:
    • Inbound travelers must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate from a test conducted within 72 hours of departing the country of origin.
    • The test must have been conducted by a certified medical professional and include this person’s name and signature.
    • Inbound travelers will be required to take a mandatory COVID-19 test if displaying any COVID-19-related symptoms or if they have been in contact with people who have been infected with the virus.
    • Travelers must also provide proof of their accommodation address and mandatory travel insurance within South Africa to cover the possibility that they are later required to enter self-quarantine.
    • Those that have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with an infected person will be tested for COVID-19 at their own expense.
    • Travelers with positive test results must enter a 10-day quarantine at their own expense within a designated site.

Analysis & Comments: The change will ease entry processes for foreign travelers, many of whom were barred entry under South Africa’s COVID-19 restrictions. 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

South Africa recently announced a temporary concession for holders of intra-company transfer (ICT) visas residing inside the country.

Key Points:

  • Holders of valid ICT visas residing in South Africa are now allowed to apply for another 24-month term for the intra-company visa they currently hold.
  • Holders of ICT visas that expired during the lockdown, the current period or will expire by June 31, 2021, are eligible to apply. The following conditions apply:
    • Such ICT visa applications are new applications with no validity period continuation for the current visa.
    • The ICT visa does not contribute to the establishment of permanent residence.
    • The ICT visa holder will stay employed by the same employer when the first and current ICT visa was granted
    • There can be no change in employer, status or condition from the current visa.
  • Applicants must also be able to provide:
    • Proof the South Africa branch of the employer abroad still needs the ICT visa holder’s services; and
    • Verifiable documents that prove the skill transfer to a South African or permanent residence was completed during the four years of the initial employment. Deloitte is establishing what details are required to be verified.

Additional Information: The new temporary visa concession only applies to holders of ICT visas residing in South Africa during the lockdown.

Analysis & Comments: The temporary visa concession will provide some relief to ICT visa holders residing in South Africa. 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

South Africa has reinstated visa-free status for citizens of 11 countries and territories.

Key Points:

  • Visa-free status has been reinstated for citizens of France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. Travelers from these countries will be subject to entry testing requirements and health protocols when traveling to South Africa.
  • Individuals from COVID-19 high-risk countries, including those from visa-free countries/territories, who wish to travel to South Africa for business purposes are allowed to apply to the Minister of Home Affairs in writing. This list was updated on Oct. 19.  Other categories of people who can seek approval to enter are:
    • Long-term visa holders who visit the country for business purposes
    • Diplomats
    • Repatriated persons
    • Investors
    • People participating in professional sporting and cultural events
  • Applications must be sent to Covid19BusinessTravel@dha.gov.za and include the following:
    • a copy of a passport and/or temporary residence visa
    • proof of business activities to be conducted
    • proof of a travel itinerary
    • proof of address or accommodation in South Africa.
  • Visitors coming for three months or less from low-risk countries are allowed to enter as well, but they are subject to COVID-19 health protocols.

Background: South Africa announced last month that visa services resumed for the following visa categories: visitor, study, treaty, business, crew, medical treatment, relatives, general work, critical skills work, intra-company transfer work, retired person, corporate and exchange. They have also resumed for waiver of prescribed requirement, considered in section 31(2)(c); and appeals or reviews considered in section 8 of the Immigration Act.

Analysis & Comments: The reinstatement of visa free status for citizens of 11 countries and territories will allow greater movement of people into South Africa, though entry testing requirements and health protocols remain in place for inbound travelers. Business travelers from high-risk countries are allowed to apply for entry. 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

South Africa has resumed a number of immigration services after the country moved its national lockdown to level 1 on Sept. 20. The government also announced a number of entry requirements for inbound travelers.

Key Points:

  • Immigration services have resumed at King Shaka International Airport, O.R. Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and other commercial entry ports.
  • The Immigration Services Inspectorate has resumed full operations.
  • Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) has resumed processing Temporary Residence Visas and South African missions abroad are determining which offices will resume processing temporary residence visa applications.
  • Permit adjudication for the processing of Temporary Residence Visas and Permanent Resident Permits will continue to operate, as it did during alert level 3 and level 2.
  • The Port Control Operations Centre will continue normal operations and immigration support services will also continue.
  • The Department of Civic Services will provide passport application and issuance services during the current lockdown level 1 period.
  • The validity of legally issued visas that expired during the lockdown has been extended until Jan. 31, 2021. Previously, the validity of such visas had been extended to July 31, 2020 and then re-extended until Oct. 31, 2020. The extensions, including the most recent one until Jan. 31, 2021, are only for visa holders within the country.
  • Inbound travelers must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate from a test conducted within 72 hours of departing the country of origin. The test must have been conducted by a certified medical professional and include this person’s name and signature. Inbound travelers will be required to take a mandatory COVID-19 test if displaying any COVID-19-related symptoms or if they have been in contact with people who have been infected with the virus. They must also provide proof of their accommodation address within South Africa to cover the possibility that they are later required to enter self-quarantine. Those that have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with an infected person will be tested for COVID-19 at their own expense. Travelers with positive test results must enter a 10-day quarantine at their own expense within a designated site.
  • Leisure travelers from high-risk COVID-19 countries are not allowed into the country. The list of high-risk countries is here. Exceptions exist for business travellers with rare and critical skills, diplomats, investors, repatriated individuals and professional athletes.
  • All international air travelers must have health insurance with sufficient coverage to pay for COVID-19 testing and quarantine.
  • All travelers from African countries are allowed to enter provided they have valid travel documents. They will be screened for COVID-19.

Additional Information: Under current plans, international travel will be allowed to resume Oct. 1. International travel by air will only be allowed at King Shaka International Airport, O.R. Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. The number of points of entry at borders and ports that reopened Oct. 1 will be limited initially. South African transport minister Fikile Mbalula said that the country will adopt a risk-based system that will consider individual countries’ COVID-19 infection rates when determining restrictions on travel into and out of South Africa. Additional information is expected soon.

Analysis & Comments: The resumption of some immigration services and international travel will allow greater movement of people into South Africa. 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

 South Africa will relax its national lockdown to level 1 on Sept. 20 and allow international travel beginning Oct. 1.

Key Points:

  • Effective Sept. 20 at midnight, gatherings of people will be allowed but the total number within a gathering must not be greater than 50% of a venue’s normal capacity. The maximum allowed for indoor gatherings will be 250, and for outdoor gatherings it will be 500. Social distancing, mask wearing and hand hygiene must be practiced at social gatherings.
  • The total number of people allowed to attend funerals will be increased from 50 to 100. Night vigils are still prohibited.
  • The total number of people allowed to gather at venues for entertainment, recreation and exercise such as gyms and theatres will be increased from 50 to 50% of a venue’s capacity. Social distancing and other health protocols must be practiced at these venues. Sporting events remain restricted.
  • International travellers will be allowed to enter and exit South Africa beginning Oct. 1 under certain conditions, which are yet to be determined. International travel from certain high-risk countries may continue to remain restricted, but a list of countries have not been confirmed at this time. South African Missions abroad will start to open up in due course and the issuance of long-term visas will be re-instated.
  • International travel by air will only be allowed at King Shaka International Airport, O.R. Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. International travel by land will be allowed only through a land border post that has been kept open during the lockdown.
  • International travellers must present a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken not more than 72 hours from their time of departure. Such travellers who do not obtain this test result must enter mandatory quarantine and pay for it themselves when they arrive in South Africa.
  • All arriving travellers will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. Those who present symptoms must enter quarantine and have a second COVID-19 test performed.
  • All travellers are required to download and install the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app.

Background: South Africa lowered its lockdown to level 2 Aug. 17.

Analysis & Comments: The relaxing of the lockdown and resumption of international travel will allow greater movement of people within, into and out of South Africa. 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

South Africa lowered its lockdown to alert level 2, effective Aug. 17.

Key points:

The following restrictions have been relaxed:

  • Travel between the provinces is no longer restricted.
  • Accommodation facilities such as hotels are allowed to operate, in conjunction with approved protocols.
  • Taverns, bars and restaurants are allowed to operate, in conjunction with regulations.

The following restrictions are still in place:

  • Restrictions on international travel remain in effect.
  • Social gatherings of 50 people or more remain prohibited.
  • A curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. remains in place.

Additional information: South Africa’s president has encouraged people in the country to stay at home, including working from home, if possible. South Africa lowered the nationwide alert to Level 3 the first week of June.

Analysis & Comments: The relaxing of certain restrictions will allow more movement within South Africa, though a number of restrictions remain in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 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

Visas and permits in South Africa will be extended because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The South African government cited the unavailability of most services at visa centers when announcing the extension.

Key Points:

  • Visas and permits that were set to expire July 31 will be extended until Oct. 31. Final regulations to be published.
  • Other temporary measures put in place during the initial extension continue to apply through Oct. 31.
  • Visa exemptions that have been withdrawn will remain withdrawn.

Background: Immigration services in South Africa have been minimal since the start of the pandemic and ensuing lockdown. The government has announced several temporary measures for foreign nationals who were legally present in South Africa during the start of the pandemic.

Department of Home Affairs Visa Application Centers are operating for collections only and exclusively by appointment. The centers remain closed for other activities. The government is weighing the possible opening of visa centers for online applications in limited categories and following possible online submissions, there will be in-person appointments for actual application submission.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should continue to monitor how the visa extensions affect individual employees. Deloitte will provide additional updates as the response to COVID-19 continues to develop. 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 Border Management Authority Bill of 2020 took effect this week, after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed it. The government says the bill will tighten border control to lessen illegal immigration and simplify control of ports of entry.

Key Points:

  • The law establishes the Border Management Authority as the sole department to manage the country’s ports of entry instead of current management by several agencies.
  • The law also provides term limits for office, conditions of service, functions and powers.
  • Establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Consultative Committee, Border Technical Committee and advisory committees for the review/appeal of decisions by officers.

Background: The legislation, which the South African parliament approved in March, reflects South Africa’s attempt to deal with illegal immigration.

Analysis & Comments: This legislation will not affect high-skilled immigration filings since these are done at consulates prior to travel. The impact on tourism and travel by air will be negligible since the international airports already operate at an international standard.  The land ports of entry will benefit from the focus this change will bring and it is hoped that the bottlenecks that are regularly experienced will be a thing of the past.

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 Netherlands has lifted travel restrictions for foreign nationals from certain countries, as well as for certain immigration categories.

Key Points:

  • Travel restrictions are lifted for residents of Algeria, Australia, Canada, China (subject to confirmation of reciprocity), Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay. The list will be revised every two weeks, although changes may be made outside of the regular update pattern, if necessary, based on COVID-19 developments.
  • Travel restrictions do not apply to the following categories:
    • EU citizens (including U.K. nationals) and their family members.
    • Nationals of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and their family members.
    • Third-country nationals holding a residence card or a residence permit in accordance with the LTR Directive and their family members.
    • Third-country nationals who derive their right of residence from other European Directives or from the national law of a Member State and their family members.
    • Holders of a long-stay visa, including persons with a temporary residence permit (MVV) and their family members.
    • Persons with an essential function or need, including: Health care workers, border workers, those employed in the transport of goods and other transport personnel, seafarers with a seaman’s book (with the exception of seafarers on commercial and pleasure yachts), diplomats, military personnel, international and humanitarian organization personnel, those with compelling reasons to visit their families (e.g., funeral, terminal illness), transit passengers who wish to travel via the Netherlands to another third country and who do not leave the international transit zone of the airport, those in need of international protection, those admitted for humanitarian reasons, students,* highly skilled migrants.*

*Residents of countries not on the approved list, including the U.S., Canada and Australia, may only travel to the Netherlands if they will perform a vital function or have a serious need. This includes those who have received a letter from the IND stating they will receive a residence permit as a:

    • Highly skilled migrant (including researchers and holders of an EU blue card or ICT directive). A written declaration of the employer is needed upon traveling to the Netherlands, stating that the highly skilled migrant has to be present in the Netherlands to execute the work and why. The declaration should also include an explanation of why the move cannot be postponed.
    • University or college student.
    • Family member of a highly skilled migrant or student.
    • Family member of a Dutch sponsor (partner, spouse, child). Documents proving the family relationship are needed.
  • When traveling to the Netherlands, highly skilled migrants, students and family members should bring the IND letter stating that they will receive a residence permit. Admission to the Netherlands is assessed by the border officials and they have the discretionary power to refuse access.

Additional information: For more information on the lifting of travel restrictions and who is eligible to enter the Netherlands, 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced plans to lower the nationwide alert to Level 3 starting June 1 and to allow additional activities to resume in phases.

Key Points:

  • Starting June 1, businesses in manufacturing, mining, construction, financial services, professional and business services, IT and communications, government and media services will resume. However, they must develop workplace plans before reopening, including social distancing measures, screening of employees upon arrival at work, quarantine protocols and testing for symptomatic employees and contact tracing in case an employee tests positive. Employees who are able to work from home should be allowed to, and employees over age 60 or those with underlying medical conditions should stay at home.
  • Permitted business activities and some domestic travel for business will be phased in according to a schedule to be announced.
  • People who do not need to go to work or school should continue to stay home, but people will be able to leave their homes to buy goods, obtain medical care or exercise, and the curfew on movement will be lifted. Gatherings remain prohibited, except for funerals of fewer than 50 people.
  • Certain high-risk activities remain prohibited, including conferences. Restaurants, pubs, lodges and hotels will remain closed.
  • South African citizens may return to their residence abroad only for work, study, family reunion, medical reasons, or to take up permanent residency. They must seek permission from the Department of Home Affairs via email by providing a copy of their valid South African passport, a letter confirming admissibility from the relevant embassy or consulate of the host country and any transiting countries, and proof of tickets and intended travel date.
  • Hotspots within South Africa may return to Level 4 or 5. A hotspot is defined as an area with more than five infected people per 100,000 or where new infections are rapidly increasing. The list of hotspots will be reviewed every two weeks.

Additional information: The additional easing of the nationwide lockdown will allow more business activities to resume, but employers will need to have workplace plans and protocols in place before reopening. Ramaphosa emphasized that the number of infections continues to increase and the alert level may return to Level 4 or 5 in any part of the country if COVID-19 spreads or overwhelms the health care system.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate an increase in employee mobility and arrange travel schedules for affected travelers 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.