IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Uruguayan government has introduced a short-term remote work option for qualifying foreign nationals.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals can apply for a provisional identity document to live and work remotely in Uruguay for up to 180 days without employer sponsorship.
  • To be eligible for the short-term remote work option, foreign nationals must be employed by a company not registered in Uruguay.
  • Remote workers are not required to register with social security services in Uruguay.

Additional Information: More information regarding the provisional identity document and working in Uruguay remotely is available here.

BAL Analysis: The short-term remote work option was introduced with intent to bring more foreign national remote workers to the country to stimulate the economy, create jobs and help the country recover financially from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The government of Uruguay has announced that it will not reopen its border to tourists for the South American summer season as was previously expected. The decision was made in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 infections.

Key Points:

  • Uruguayan borders will closed to non-Uruguayan citizens and residents, although some exemptions can be made.
  • Citizens and residents of Uruguay are being urged to stay in the country. New internal restrictions to prevent the movement of citizens and residents are also being added.
  • Five COVID-19 checkpoints will operate throughout the country to detect infections.

Background: Uruguayan borders are currently closed to non-Uruguayan citizens and residents, although some exemptions are available.

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 Uruguay and 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

What is the change? Uruguay has expanded its vaccination requirement to include short-term work permit applicants.

What does the change mean? Applicants must submit proof that they have been vaccinated against measles, tetanus and other diseases deemed mandatory by the Ministry of Public Health. The rule originally only covered foreign nationals who were applying for residence.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate.
  • Visas/permits affected: Short-term work permits (“hoja de identidad provisoria”).
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals applying for short-term work permits.
  • Business impact: Applicants should factor in additional time to obtain the necessary vaccines or vaccination records.

Background: A decree earlier this month by the Ministry of Public Health required that foreign nationals applying for temporary or permanent residence (i.e., staying longer than 180 days) show proof of mandatory vaccinations. At the time, short-term work authorization applicants were excluded from the decree, but authorities have now issued a second decree expanding the requirement to foreign workers in the country for short-term assignments. A recent outbreak of measles among nine countries in the Americas prompted the decrees.

BAL Analysis: Short-term work authorization applicants should plan to obtain vaccination records in their country of origin. The records must cover all vaccines that are mandatory in Uruguay for the individual’s age.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Uruguay. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Under a decree by the Ministry of Public Health, all foreigners applying for temporary or permanent residence must submit proof that they have received vaccinations that are mandatory in Uruguay, including the measles vaccine.

What does the change mean? The requirement is now in effect and applies to all new residency applications, for both temporary and permanent residence, submitted in-country or at an overseas mission. Authorities are also requesting vaccine certificates for renewal applications.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate.
  • Visas/permits affected: Temporary and Permanent Residence permits, including MERCOSUR Temporary Residence Permits. Short-term work authorization (“hoja de identidad provisoria”) is not affected by the new requirement.
  • Who is affected: All foreign nationals applying for residency, i.e., intending to stay for longer than 180 days.
  • Business impact: Employers and individuals should factor in additional time to gather the necessary medical records.

Background: Health authorities are putting in place the requirement following an outbreak of measles this year in a nine-country region, with Venezuela reporting the highest number of cases, followed by Brazil and the United States. Argentina, Canada and Peru are also among the countries reporting cases. The vaccine certificate must also include tetanus and other vaccinations required by Uruguay health authorities.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals intending to apply for residency in Uruguay should plan to obtain the required vaccines and request proof from their medical provider.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Uruguay. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The United Arab Emirates and Uruguay have agreed to waive visa requirements for each other’s citizens.

What does the change mean? The visa exemption, which is intended to increase business ties and economic cooperation between the two countries, is valid for stays of up to 90 days.

  • Implementation time frame: To be announced. Foreign affairs officials of the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday.
  • Visas/permits affected: Visa waiver.
  • Who is affected: Nationals of UAE and Uruguay.
  • Impact on processing times: Visitors will not need to apply for visas before travel.
  • Business impact: The removal of visa requirements will facilitate travel for business and trade between the UAE and Uruguay.

Background: The UAE is actively pursuing visa waiver agreements, most recently gaining visa-free travel to China, Ireland, Switzerland and Ukraine.

BAL Analysis: The visa-exemption agreement is good news for Emirati and Uruguayan business travelers, especially individuals making repeat visits or traveling on short notice.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Brazil and Uruguay have signed an agreement making it easier to obtain permanent residency in each other’s countries.

What does the change mean? Once implemented, the change will make it possible for Brazilian and Uruguayan nationals to obtain permanent residency in each other’s countries without first having to spend time as a temporary resident. Permanent residency will include work authorization rights in each country.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Permanent residency, work authorization.
  • Who is affected: Brazilian and Uruguayan nationals looking to reside and work in each other’s countries.
  • Business impact: Businesses in Brazil and Uruguay will likely have an easier time recruiting nationals from each other’s countries because it will be easier for Brazilian and Uruguayan nationals to obtain permanent residency and, with it, work authorization.
  • Next steps: The agreement will take effect 30 days after each country’s congress ratifies the agreement.   

Background: Under the terms of the agreement, which was announced Friday, applicants for permanent residency will be required to provide personal identification (e.g., a valid passport) and domestic and international police clearance showing an absence of a criminal record. In Brazil, applications will be submitted to the appropriate Brazilian consular office. In Uruguay, applications will be submitted to the Federal Police or the National Justice Secretariat. Application fees will be waived.

BAL Analysis: The agreement will significantly speed up the process of obtaining permanent residency for those covered by the deal because it eliminates the prerequisite of temporary residency. Those who obtain permanent residency under the agreement should be afforded the same work rights as domestic workers, though this provision is subject to domestic limitations of each country.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in Brazil. For additional information, please contact brazil@bal.com.

Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.