Justin Rymer

COVID-19 Pandemic – Immigration Situation Overview

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Fragomen - Travel Immigration Restrictions as at 01Jun20

COVID-19 Pandemic Immigration Situation Overview

This is a summary of the confirmed immigration restrictions and/or concessions that global jurisdictions are currently imposing in an effort to contain the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). It includes: (1) the operational status of government authorities; (2) travel restrictions; (3) entry, quarantine, and health requirements; and (4) government concessions. Where a jurisdiction is not listed, Fragomen cannot reliably confirm it is currently imposing restrictions or concessions of this type.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is a rapidly changing event; this summary is for reference only. It does not attempt to cover other developments that may be relevant to travelers, such as airline route cancellations, the closing of consular posts, or national travel advisories. For the latest on global confirmed coronavirus disease cases, review the World Health Organization's latest situation report here.

Individuals considering travel should consult their country's consular posts and seek case-specific advice from their travel and /or immigration providers. Employers whose staff have moved to remote work arrangements may need to complete additional labor law requirements, such as employment contract amendment.

User Tip: country names act as bookmarks in this document open your bookmarks pane to navigate the document.

Table of Contents

Last updated at 6/1/2020 11:11:00 AM ET

Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Bermuda Bolivia Bosnia Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Chad Chile China (Mainland) Colombia

Congo (DR) Congo (Republic) Costa Rica Côte D'Ivoire Croatia Curacao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Fiji Finland France Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guatemala Guinea (Republic) Guinea-Bissau Guyana Honduras

Hong Kong (SAR) Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iraq Iraqi Kurdistan Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Korea (South) Kosovo Kuwait Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau (SAR) Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Mali Malta Mauritania Mauritius Mexico

Moldova Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria North Macedonia Norway Oman Pakistan Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore

Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka St. Kitts and Nevis Suriname Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Tanzania Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Venezuela Vietnam Zambia Zimbabwe
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Afghanistan
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all flights to Afghanistan, except repatriation flights for the nationals of Afghanistan.
Albania
Travel Restrictions
· Land borders are closed to travelers. Individuals are not able to travel by car to and from Albania, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro and Northern Macedonia.
· Flights to and from Austria, Germany, Hungary and Switzerland are banned. Flights to and from Turkey through Air Albania remain allowed.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine for all travelers, either in a government-designated facility or at home, depending on their residence address.
Concessions
· Foreign nationals with an expired residence status, unable to exit, can apply for extension by emailing the immigration authorities. The authorities will issue an extension by return email. Foreign nationals will not be penalized if extended stay and/or gaps in their immigration status are due to the pandemic.
· Foreign nationals may exceptionally apply for residence permits while abroad, and may remain abroad during hardcopy document submission. where both steps typically require in-country presence. Foreign nationals must be in country when collecting the permit.
· Albanian nationals seeking to return to Albania can travel through the Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Milan, Paris, Rome and Zurich airports at government-designated flight times.
Algeria
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Algeria is starting to reopen labour offices. · Labour offices are working with limited staff.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all international flights to and from Algeria until further notice.
Concessions
· Immigration departments have been instructed to facilitate the visa extension process for foreign nationals whose visas are due to expire in order to maintain compliance.

Angola
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Angola has resumed operations at most immigration departments. · Work permit applications are being accepted, adjudicated, and approvals are being issued. · Full services are expected to be restored by July 13, 2020.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all travel in and out of Angola until further notice. · Borders are closed until further notice.
Concessions
· Foreign nationals may continue working even though their permits/authorization to reside and/or work may be expired and cannot be renewed at this time. Renewal applications can be filed once services resume and without immigration consequences.
· Automatic extension of the validity of all residence and work visas until August 31, 2020.
Argentina
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Suspension of submission, processing and issuance of all immigration applications in Argentina until June 7. · Suspension of all services and processes at the National Immigration Directorate (DNM), national registry office
(Registro Nacional de Reincidencia), Social Security Agency and RENAPER until June 7. · Suspension of in-person document apostille and legalization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until June 7. During
the closure, individuals can request the apostille or legalization of public documents issued in Argentina (such as birth, marriage and police clearance certificates among others) through the government's Trámites a distancia (TAD) online system; the apostille or legalization will be issued digitally. · Suspension of issuance of visas and temporary or transitory residence permits at Argentinian consular posts until further notice.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban until June 7 for all individuals (including Argentinian nationals and residents), except in the case of repatriation entry carried out by the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
· The sale of tickets for international and domestic commercial flights is suspended until September 1, except as approved by the Argentine Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC).
Concessions
· Automatic extension of the validity of all residence and/or work authorization permits expiring between May 16 and June 14 for an additional 30 days.

Armenia
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for non-resident foreign nationals until June 13, except family members of Armenian citizens and limited and specific other exceptions such as airplane crew.
· Closure of land borders with Georgia and Iran until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Hospitalization for symptomatic travelers. · 14-day home quarantine for all other travelers.

Aruba
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all travelers until at least June 15, as announced by the Aruba Tourism Authority in the government's website.

Australia

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban for non-citizens and non-residents, except Australian citizens, permanent residents and their direct family members, New Zealand citizens who are usually resident in Australia, and some exceptions for trips for compassionate reasons (see further explanation below).
· Some Australian airports have limited transit facilities. Some travelers may require an Australian visa such as a Transit (subclass 771) visa in order to clear immigration, even if they have met all other `transit without a visa' (TWOV) requirements. Some transit exemptions apply. Check the Australian government website for more information.
Information about entry exemptions:
· Immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents this is limited to spouses (married or de facto), legal guardians and dependents, for example, dependent children. These family members must obtain/hold an appropriate temporary visa to enter Australia (for example, Visitor visa) and must present appropriate evidence of the relationship, such as marriage certificate, evidence of de-facto relationship such as shared finances or property, birth certificate or birth certificate for children. Importantly, these immediate family members are also required to undertake an additional pre-clearance step by submitting an online enquiry form prior to travel to Australia.
· Holders of Temporary Partner (subclass 309 or subclass 820) visas or Dependent Child (subclass 445) visas qualify under the exemption.

· New Zealand citizens who are usually resident in Australia where seeking to enter Australia, must carry proof of residency in Australia (driver's license or documents in relation to residency such as recent utility bill or bank statement to evidence Australian address).
· Additional exemptions include foreign nationals travelling at the invitation of the Australian Commonwealth Government to assist in the COVID-19 response or whose entry would be in the national interest; critical medical services, including air ambulance and delivery of supplies, that regularly arrive into Australia from international ports; persons with critical skills (for example, medical specialists, engineers, marine pilots and crews) by exception; diplomats accredited to Australia and currently resident in Australia, and their immediate family; and case-by-case exceptions due to humanitarian or compassionate reasons, which may include separation of

immediate family members who are holders of temporary work (e.g. TSS) or other longer-term visas. In all cases, sufficient evidence must be provided in support of the request to exercise the discretion to grant relief in particular circumstances. Travel to Australia should not be attempted until the approval of the specific exemption.
Information about transit exemptions:
· Transit exemptions do not apply to any foreign nationals who have been in Mainland China, Iran, South Korea or Italy in the previous 14 days prior to transit. All transits must occur on the same day as arrival and passengers must remain in the sterile transit area. Check transit facilities at Australian airports and if you are eligible to transit without a visa.
· Citizens of the following countries can transit through Australia to return home: Cook Islands, Nauru, Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Timor Leste, Kiribati, Niue, Tonga, Marshall Islands, Palau Tuvalu, Micronesia Papua, New Guinea, Vanuatu.
Exit ban for Australian citizens or permanent residents until further notice. Exemptions are available to:
o persons ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia;
o members of the crew of an aircraft or vessel (other than an outgoing aircraft vessel) or workers associated with the safety or maintenance of the aircraft or vessel;
o persons engaged in the day-to-day conduct of inbound and outbound freight;
o persons whose travel is associated with essential work at an offshore facility;
o persons travelling on official government business (including a member of the Australian Defence Force).
o Exemptions may also be available on a case-by-case basis to the following where they are able to demonstrate exceptional circumstances providing a 'compelling reason for needing to leave Australian territory':
Australian citizens;
Permanent residents;
Operators of an outgoing passenger aircraft or vessel.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Self-isolation for all travellers at `designated facilities', for example a hotel. Refer to the Australian Department of Health website for more information.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Temporary Skill Shortage or subclass 457 visa holders who have had their hours reduced, but not laid off, will be able to continue to reside in Australia in line with their visa validity. Businesses will also be able to reduce the hours of the visa holder without the person being in breach of any of their visa conditions or the sponsor being in breach of their sponsorship obligations. Under the standard rules, temporary skilled visa holders working reduced hours would need to continue to be paid at a pro-rata rate consistent with their approved salary. If an employer wishes to reduce salary disproportionately to working hours, a new nomination with the reduced salary and evidencing this is within local market rates would first need to be approved by the government.
· Four-year visa holders who are laid off who secure re-employment and seek to return to Australia after the coronavirus pandemic may have the time already spent in Australia count toward their permanent residency skilled work experience requirements.
· There have also been concessions made for Working Holiday visa holders and students. For more information, see the Department of Home Affairs website.

Austria

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Austria has partially reopened its immigration authorities. Prior appointments are required. Extension applications should still be submitted via email, if possible.
o Biometrics appointments can be obtained if absolutely necessary and upon scheduling an appointment.
· A limited number of consular posts have reopened. Please check with your consular post before visiting as some consulates have opened but do not yet allow regular visa applications, except in exceptional circumstances.
o For other consular posts, visa and permit applications not being accepted except in family-related hardship cases.

Travel Restrictions

· Austria is gradually easing entry restrictions.
o Passenger rail traffic arriving from Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland has resumed.
o Starting June 15, border controls with Germany and Switzerland will be lifted.
· Entry ban for non-resident foreign nationals entering by air until June 16, 0:00 (local time), except EU/European
Economic Area/Swiss nationals and their cohabiting family; long-term national visa or residence permit holders; non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals entering from inside Schengen; and certain categories of travelers including those in transit and healthcare professionals.
· Land border checks at land borders with the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland until further notice. All travelers entering across these borders must present a medical certificate in German or English, issued no more than four days before entry, showing negative results for COVID19. Austrian nationals or permanent residents may alternatively be quarantined for 14 days, or until negative test results come in. Eligible cross-border workers, posted workers, those on repatriation transfers and travelers with compelling family reasons, among limited others, are exempt.
· Flight ban until June 15, 0:00 (local time) for flights from China, France, Iran, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia,
Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Belarus; except cargo flights, ambulance and emergency flights, repatriation flights and flights carrying seasonal agricultural / forestry workers and/or medical professionals.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· 14-day quarantine for the following travelers arriving by air:

o Austrian nationals;

o EU/European Economic Area/Swiss nationals and their cohabiting family; and

o Long-term national visa or residence permit holders;

· Exemption from quarantine for those who test negative for COVID-19 or who present a negative test certificate
issued no more than four days before entry.

· Non-EU/EEA/Swiss travelers without an Austrian visa or residence permit, entering from inside Schengen; and
certain categories of travelers including those in transit and healthcare professionals entering by air; must present a medical certificate in German or English, issued no more than four days before entry, showing negative results for COVID-19. Alternatively, travelers will be quarantined for 14 days. The form for the medical certificate is available on the Austrian government website.

· Austrian nationals or residents entering by air may complete a COVID-19 medical test at Vienna Airport during business hours, subject to availability of the health center. Non-resident travelers eligible to enter will be escorted to a government facility (hotel) to quarantine and must organize a private test; they will be allowed to leave the hotel to complete the test.

Concessions
· Approved permits are currently being mailed to applicants since in-person collection is not possible.
· Renewal, change of status and EU registration applications can be filed by email or mail.
· Foreign nationals holding a work and residence permit can work from home if there is a respective agreement
with the employer. · Foreign nationals required to complete civic integration courses between March 22-June 30 can complete these
courses before October 31, 2020.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Minimum salary requirements can be pro-rated if employees must be placed on part-time employment. The
agreed salary must be kept on a pro rata basis. This does not apply to Blue Card EU and Red White Red Card holders as their declared salary must be kept as stated in the application.
· Reduction of foreign workers' hours/salary under the special government program called 'Kurzarbeit' should not in
practice negatively affect work/residence authorization if it meets certain criteria. The employer should clearly document the reduction of hours/salary and include such documents in renewal applications. Many situations using this program require case-by-case analysis, especially in cases of staffed employees and other special circumstances.
Azerbaijan
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Azerbaijan is reopening government operations. · Initial and renewal Work Permit, Temporary Permit, Permanent Permit applications and other related documents
are being processed. Applications can be filed at the State Migration Service (SMS) Section of Azerbaijan Service and Assessment Network (ASAN) centers by appointment, scheduled via the ASAN website, mobile app, call center or at www.migration.gov.az. · Suspension of visa applications through Azerbaijan Embassies or General Consulates until further notice. · Suspension of e-visa issuance until further notice. Visa nationals must apply to consular posts. Applicants may be required to present medical certificates confirming negative test results for COVID-19.
Travel Restrictions
· Closure of land and air borders until further notice, except for chartered flights. Local flights have also been suspended.
· Entry ban for non-resident foreign nationals. · Entry ban for non-residents for the cities Baku and Sumgait and the Absheron region, for all in-land entries.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine until June 15. Individuals must obtain special permission to leave their residence. · Foreign nationals working in the oil and gas industry who work offshore should arrive in Baku at least 14 days
prior to their start of work on oil and gas sites in order to comply with the quarantine. · A medical exam is required for all entrants applying for a Temporary Residence Permit. Due to the quarantine,
home medical testing is now an option at an additional cost - contact emea@fragomen.com for more information. These standard tests do not include COVID testing.

Concessions
· Foreign nationals whose residence registration expired between May 1-31, 2020 can apply for a 30-60 day extension of their legal stay. Details on payment for the extension application are available on the Migration Service website. Once payment is completed, such individuals can reside in Azerbaijan legally for the extended period. A decision on the extension application is available on the Migration Service website.
Other Restrictions
· Most state authorities have suspended the receiving and shipping of original documents. Therefore, application documents for initial and renewal Work Permit, Temporary Permit, Permanent Permit, residence registration and other related document should be submitted online on designated government websites. Originals of some documents/applications can be couriered to authorities at their discretion in exceptional cases only (prior confirmation is advised) and can be collected from authorities once the quarantine period in Azerbaijan is over. Issued documents are only being provided to foreign nationals electronically at this time.

Bahamas
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Government agencies are closed until further notice to the general public. To the extent that government officials can operate remotely, there are limited services being provided. This includes the Immigration Department, except at the Lynden Pindling International Airport, Prince George Dock and Marinas and the Immigration Detention Center.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban until further notice for all individuals, except in the case of re-entry of citizens and legal residents coordinated and approved by a Bahamian consular post.
· Closure of all airports to the general public until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine (or at a designated facility as determined by the Ministry of Health) for all individuals returning to the Bahamas.
Concessions
· Suspension of requirements to file documents (such as immigration applications), pay fees or renew licenses, visas or permits issued by any government entity, statutory body or regulator, for the duration of the state of public emergency. Once the state of emergency in the Bahamas is lifted, foreign nationals will have a 30-day grace period to regularize their status and fulfill their pending obligations.

Bahrain

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Suspension of all in-person immigration applications, except select processes related to domestic workers (walkin transactions are accepted and no appointment is required). The majority of immigration applications, including new, renewal and cancellation of work permit applications, sponsorship transfer and change of job title are now processed electronically through the Expat Management System (EMS) portal.

· The endorsement of new residence visa stickers (including residence renewal applications) is limited to foreign nationals in select positions, and only if the applicant must travel internationally; otherwise paper visa printouts will serve as the permits until further notice.

· Suspension of issuance of new e-visas, including work / business visas until further notice. These applications can be submitted online but may not be processed.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all travellers except nationals of Bahrain, foreign residents in Bahrain, diplomats and passengers with Prior Permission Granted letter issued by the Ministry of Interior, military personnel, airline crew and holders of official, service and UN passports.
· Border crossing at the King Fahad Causeway, linking Bahrain with Saudi Arabia, has been closed. · All passenger traffic at Bahrain International Airport, including transit passengers, is now restricted to nationals of
Bahrain, foreign residents in Bahrain, diplomats and passengers with Prior Permission Granted letter issued by the Ministry of Interior, military personnel, airline crew and holders of official, service and UN passports.
· All travellers must have a pre-arranged visa for travel to Bahrain as no visa-on-arrival is issued to nationals of all countries; this does not apply to diplomats.
· Travel to Iran is not allowed for nationals of Bahrain.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Quarantine for all travellers entering Bahrain, including nationals of Bahrain, foreign residents in Bahrain, diplomats and passengers with Prior Permission Granted letter issued by the Ministry of Interior, military personnel, airline crew and holders of official, service and UN passports who have been to Iran, Iraq or Lebanon in the 14 days prior to travel to Bahrain or arriving from any other country.
Concessions
· A waiver of government fees for the payment of monthly labour fees and fees for the issuance and renewal of work permits, for three months effective April 1.
· An amnesty period until the end of 2020, during which foreign nationals may correct their status. · The validity of all visit visas, including those that have expired, has been automatically extended until July 21,
2020.
Other Restrictions
· Foreign nationals whose residence permits have expired or will expire while outside of Bahrain will not be able to renew their permit; instead, they will have to apply for a new permit.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Layoffs/Furlough: Employers who lay off an employee must notify the government authorities and cancel the employee's Work Visa and Residence Permit, and also their enrollment with the Social Insurance Organization program. Foreign nationals who wish to remain in Bahrain must change sponsorship or exit Bahrain within 30 days of Residence Permit cancellation.
· Reductions in Salary/Hours: Although Bahrain passed a wage protection law, it is not yet fully implemented. Government notification for a temporary suspension of salaries is therefore not required. However, if by January 1 of the following year, the foreign national's salary has not reverted to the original amount declared in the Residence Permit application, the employer must notify the Social Insurance Organization at that time.

Bangladesh

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Bangladesh is gradually reopening government offices.

· Between May 31 and June 15, offices and workplaces are gradually reopening.
Travel Restrictions
· Bangladesh has eased travel restrictions.
· Resumption of domestic commercial passenger flights in a limited scale.
· Suspension of all scheduled international commercial passenger flights from Bahrain, Bhutan, Hong Kong, India, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, UAE and United Kingdom until June 15.
· Nationals of the following countries who visited the EU region or Iran since February 29, 2020 can only enter Bangladesh with a visa: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Passengers who have a valid visa must show a medical certificate (with English translation) obtained within 72 hours of travel. The medical certificate must be submitted upon arrival and must indicate that the passenger does not have any symptoms of COVID-19.
· 14-day quarantine in a government facility for passengers who arrive in Bangladesh with a "no visa required" stamp in their passport who do not obtain the required medical certificate stating that they are free of COVID-19.
· 14-day home quarantine for passengers of Bangladeshi origin who arrive in Bangladesh with a "no visa required" stamp in their passport who do not obtain the required medical certificate stating that they are free of COVID-19.
· All passengers arriving in Bangladesh must complete health information cards and undergo temperature screening.
· 14-day quarantine in a government facility for any passenger determined during the temperature screening to have any COVID-19 symptoms.

Barbados
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Barbados has started to reopen governmental offices. · The immigration department has resumed processing of immigration applications. However, acceptance of new
immigration applications is suspended until May 30.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine a government-dedicated facility for all travelers entering Barbados.
Concessions
· Automatic extension of status until May 30 for all foreign nationals in Barbados whose immigration permit expires between March 28 and May 30. Contact your immigration professional for case-specific advice.

Belarus

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· 14-day home quarantine for any traveler arriving from countries with reported COVID-19 cases, except those in transit to their country of residence and limited others. Travelers required to quarantine cannot exit Belarus before

completing the 14-day quarantine. In certain cases, the 14-day period may be reduced or prolonged by the government depending on the circumstances.
Concessions
· Special work permits, permanent residence permits and professional certificates, among others, expiring between April 30-July 31 are automatically extended by three months from their expiry date.
· Foreign nationals can extend their stay up to 90 days and beyond if required. Applicants must contact the unit of citizenship and migration at their place of registration.
· Foreign nationals with cancelled flights can obtain an exit visa at Minsk National Airport if required.
Belgium
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Consular posts are limited to visa applications for essential functions and needs. · Regional Employment Offices and the federal Foreigner's Office continue to process work and residence (single)
permit applications.
· Town halls are limited to urgent matters. Appointments for non-urgent matters are suspended until further notice. Town halls typically offer email applications and may deliver certain documents by email. Applicants are advised to contact town hall or immigration counsel for case-specific advice.
Travel Restrictions · Borders closed to all non-essential travel from within the Schengen Area until June 8 and from outside the Schengen Area until June 15, except: o EU nationals and nationals of Schengen associated countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), and their family members, who normally reside in Belgium and are returning home. Proof of residence may be required. o Belgian Residence Permit holders, normally resident in Belgium, returning home. Proof of residence may be required. o Cross-border workers, those in transit, and travellers fulfilling an essential function or need such as health care professionals (supporting documents required), among limited others.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for all travelers and those picking up travelers.
Concessions
· Fragomen has secured the possibility of submitting work authorization applications by e-mail in all three regions in Belgium (Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia). Previously all applications had to be submitted via regular mail. All three regions have also confirmed that they have taken measures to ensure continuation of service.
· Foreign nationals who cannot leave Belgium because of force majeure and whose residence authorization is about to expire, can apply for a temporary extension of stay in Belgium, in principle, for up to 90 days. This system already existed but the federal immigration office has now updated the instructions on how to apply for the extension.
· Authorities in Flanders and Wallonia currently process applications without supporting documents that cannot easily be obtained due to COVID-19, such as medical certificates or police clearance certificates. Applicants can submit these documents once restrictions are lifted.

Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Foreign workers on reduced hours/salary can maintain their work/residence status for the duration of the pandemic. Regional employment authorities will not require compliance with the immigration salary threshold during the period of suspension of the employment contract, irrespective of whether employees are entitled to Belgian unemployment benefits. Employers should document non-compliance with the immigration salary threshold.

Bermuda
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Bermuda has started to reopen government offices. · The Department of Immigration has partially reopened with limited services. Key aspects regarding the
Department's phased resumption of services may be found on the government of Bermuda's website, and include the acceptance of Short Term Emergency Work Permit applications and Work Permit renewal applications for work permits which expired between March 17, 2020 and April 27, 2020.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for non-resident foreign nationals, with limited and specific exceptions such as for dependents with permission to reside in Bermuda, according to the government of Bermuda's website.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine in a government facility for all travelers arriving in Bermuda (unless exempt with government approval), according to the Bermuda government website.

Bolivia
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Bolivia has started to reopen government offices. · The General Immigration Directorate has reopened to the public on June 1 in certain cities, with reduced schedule
and by appointment only.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all non-resident foreign nationals until June 30 (except if approved by the government for health or security concerns).
· Suspension of all incoming and outgoing commercial international and domestic flights until June 30, except flights coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or other governmental entities for the re-entry of nationals or for humanitarian reasons.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine in a government designated facility for all individuals entering Bolivia during the entry ban.
Concessions
· Waiver of fines and penalties for foreign nationals in Bolivia as tourists or transitory residents who overstayed their allowed permanence during the state of emergency, which has been declared to last until June 1. Once the

state of emergency is lifted and governmental entities re-establish operations, such foreign nationals will have five business days to regularize their status or depart the country. · Suspension of administrative deadlines and fines for foreign nationals in Bolivia whose temporary or permanent residence status expired during the state of emergency. Such foreign nationals will have until June 20 to regularize their status. · Residents who are currently outside Bolivia and unable to return during the state of emergency due to coronavirus-related entry bans or measures will not be subject to penalties or revocation of status for remaining outside of Bolivia over the maximum allowed legal limit. · In case of emergency, foreign nationals that need to depart Bolivia may do so using their passport, identity card or any other identification document.
Bosnia
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for non-resident foreign nationals. The following categories are exempt but cannot enter by air since air travel is suspended: diplomatic / consular staff, those seeking emergency medical treatment, cross-border workers and those transiting to their residence country, among limited others.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for all travelers.
Botswana
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Suspension of filing and issuance of all visa types until further notice. · Visas already issued to foreign nationals from all countries have been revoked. · While internal country lockdown and related restrictions were lifted on May 21, 2020, immigration restrictions are
tied to the state of public emergency which ends in October 2020.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of flights into and out of Botswana until further notice. Returning Botswana nationals are able to enter Botswana.
Concessions
· Automatic extension of visitor permits for foreign nationals who are unable to exit the country while flight suspensions are in place.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine at a quarantine facility for all returning Botswana nationals.

Brazil
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Federal Police offices in Araraquara, São Jose dos Campos, Santos and Campinas closed until further notice; Federal Police offices in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro working with reduced staff and accepting applications only for exceptional cases (e.g., due to health concerns or refugee permits).
· The Ministry of Justice continues to accept and process residence permit applications but is not publishing preapproval notifications for foreign nationals applying for visas at Brazilian consulates until further notice (except for applications that the Ministry considers urgent or necessary in the public interest).
· Federal revenue offices closed until further notice. During the closure, foreign nationals can request CPF documents (tax identification) by email through the federal revenue; such documents will be issued by email.
· State Traffic Department (DETRAN) offices closed until further notice.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban until June 20 for all foreign nationals (entering by air, land or sea), with limited and specific exceptions such as for: o foreign nationals holding a Brazilian residence authorization or an RNM local identification document (this does not apply to travelers entering from Venezuela); o the spouse, de facto partner, child, parent or guardian of a Brazilian national (this does not apply to travelers entering from Venezuela); o passengers in transit in Brazil who will remain inside the international area of the airport; o foreign nationals holding a valid Seaman's Book; o certain border city residents entering through land borders (this does not apply to travelers entering from Venezuela); and o individuals entering by waterway transportation in transit to their home country, among others.
Concessions
· Suspension of administrative deadlines, validity periods and fines for expired immigration-related documents issued by the Federal Police, such as visitor visa extensions, Mercosur visas, RNM protocols and police certificates.
· Suspension of deadlines to file (or request an extension to file) requests for information (exigency requests) or file appeals with the Ministry of Justice.

Brunei

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Temporary suspension of all visas issued by the Brunei High Commission, visa exemptions, visas-on-arrival and new immigration-related applications in Brunei (i.e. PVV(PVP)/SWAP(SP)/EP) (excluding renewals in Brunei). All foreign nationals who have been issued work visas and are still in their home country should suspend their travels to Brunei. Foreign nationals who have been issued a Re-Entry Visa and are still in their country of origin should postpone their travels to Brunei.

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban for Mainland Chinese nationals from Hubei Province and those with Mainland Chinese passports issued in Hubei.

· Entry ban for foreign nationals who have visited Hubei, Zhejiang or Jiangsu Provinces in Mainland China, Iran or Europe (including United Kingdom) within 14 days of arrival in Brunei (Brunei nationals and Permanent Residents are exempt).
· Exit ban for Brunei citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals holding valid Identification Cards (ICs), except for the purpose of seeking medical treatment, attending court hearings, or continuing studies overseas. Such travels are subject to approval from the Prime Minister's Office and a travel application must be sent via email to travelapplication@jpm.gov.bn (along with scanned copies of relevant documentation). This includes travel via road to and from Temburong (Brunei's easternmost district).
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day self-isolation for citizens or permanent residents of Brunei and foreign nationals.

Bulgaria

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban until June 14 for all travelers through all border checkpoints, and by any means of transportation, including aircraft, maritime and railways is prohibited, except for:
o Bulgarian nationals and their family members;
o Residence permit holders and their family members;
o EU and Schengen nationals, including nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City;
o Medical staff and medical researchers; workers in geriatric care, transport (of goods, passengers and medical products), critical infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, military; cross-border workers; and diplomats;
o Those travelling for humanitarian reasons; and
o Nationals of EU/Schengen Area countries, Andorra, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia, Turkey and Vatican City; and EU/Schengen Area (including Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City) residents, transiting and departing immediately.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· 14-day quarantine upon arrival for all travelers, except: o Bulgarian / EU nationals travelling for humanitarian reasons or working on critical infrastructure; o Bulgarian bus/truck drivers conducting international transport; o Family members / cohabitants of Bulgarian nationals, staying less than 7 days; o Cross-border workers carrying a health declaration and proof of employment; o Medical staff and medical researchers; and o Transport workers delivering medical products carrying a health declaration who test negative for COVID-19.

Concessions

· Automatic extension of residence permit IDs or certificates which expire between January 1, 2020 and October 31, 2020 for at least six months, including: residence certificates issued to EU or EEA nationals, Swiss nationals or third-country nationals granted free movement under international treaties; long-term or permanent residence permit IDs issued to third-country nationals; permanent residence permit IDs issued to a family member of a Bulgarian national; prolonged or permanent residence permit IDs issued to a family member of an EU national who has not exercised the right to free movement; prolonged residence permit IDs issued to the partner or family members supported by or part of the household of an EU national; permanent residence permit IDs issued to the

partner or family members supported by or part of the household of a family member of an EU national; prolonged residence ID cards issued to the family member of an EU or EEA national or Swiss national or third-country national granted free movement under international treaties; permanent residence ID cards issued to a family member of an EU or EEA national, Swiss national or third-country national granted free movement under international treaties. · If a third-country national fails to submit an application for the renewal of their prolonged residence permit within the statutory 14 days prior to the permit's expiry date, their residence will not be deemed interrupted for the duration of the state of emergency if and when the third country national applies for long-term or permanent residence. If their current prolonged residence permit expires during the state of emergency, the foreign national will be permitted to enter Bulgaria without a visa within 14 days as of the end of the state of emergency. · Any absence of a long-term or permanent residence permit holder from the territory of the EU member states for the duration of the state of emergency will not count towards the 12 months of permitted absence (which, if exceeded could lead to permit annulment).
Burkina Faso
Travel Restrictions
· Closure of all land and air borders for an indefinite period.
Burundi
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Suspension of in-country and global visa application filing and issuance for an indefinite period.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all flights into and out of Burundi for an indefinite period.
Cambodia
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for visitors from Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Iran, Vietnam and the United States until further notice, except for travellers holding diplomatic visas or official visas (Visa Type A or B).
· Suspension of tourist visas (Visa Type T), visas-on-arrival and electronic visas, until further notice. Entry visas can only be obtained at a Cambodian Embassy prior to flying to Cambodia.
· The border between Vietnam and Cambodia is closed.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Entry visas are likely to require additional documentation, including a medical certificate (issued by the applicant's country of residence, issued within the previous 72 hours, confirming they are not infected with COVID-19) and proof of health insurance (with at least USD 50,000 in coverage).
· 14-day quarantine for all individuals (including Cambodian citizens and travellers holding diplomatic or official visas) in designated facilities.

Concessions
· Tourists holding a Visa Type T who were able to enter Cambodia after January 1, 2020 are eligible for an automatic visa extension. In order to be considered for the visa extension, the foreign national must register their stay on the Foreigners Present in Cambodia System (FPCS) before July 1, 2020.
Cameroon
Travel Restrictions
· Cameroon Yaoundé Airport is open for flights from Air France for repatriation purposes, and critical travel for Cameroonian nationals already in possession of a permit.
· All other borders are closed, and other flights are suspended until further notice. · Suspension of issuance of visas-on-arrival until further notice.
Canada
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Many Visa Application Centres are currently closed, though some are providing a limited range of services. The status of VACs across the world can be found here.
· Inland Case Processing Centres are operating with limited staffing levels, leading to an increase in processing times.
· All Service Canada offices are currently closed for in-person services. · Biometrics collection offices are currently closed in Canada and the United States. · Most applications both temporary and permanent should be filed online until further notice. · Applications for new work permits submitted at a Port of Entry will only be accepted from those arriving directly
from the United States. · The government has suspended the processing of all Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and electronic Travel
Authorization (eTA) applications where the reason for entering Canada is deemed non-essential. · "Flag-poling" to obtain or renew an immigration status document is deemed "non-essential" and is currently
prohibited at Canadian land border crossings.
Travel Restrictions
· Entering Canada for a "non-essential" purpose, defined as tourism, entertainment or recreation, is prohibited. · The bar to entry may not apply to asymptomatic:
o Canadian citizens and their immediate family members; o Canadian permanent residents and their immediate family members; o Immediate family members of Canadian temporary residents (work permit holders, study permit
holders, visitors) who reside in Canada, for the purpose of reunification; o Foreign nationals holding a valid work permit, and those who have been pre-approved for a work
permit; o Foreign nationals without work authorization but intending to perform specific duties (found here)
within the following sectors: Energy and Utilities, Information and Communication Technologies, Finance, Health, Food and Water, Transportation, Safety, Government, Manufacturing;

o International students holding a valid study permit, foreign nationals approved for a study permit on or before March 18, and those authorized to study in specific medical fields, if in-person classes are being held;
o Foreign nationals approved for permanent residence on or before March 18, 2020, residing outside of Canada who have not yet landed to become permanent residents;
o Foreign diplomats and their immediate family;
o Flight and marine crews; and
o Other various protected persons.
· All incoming flights, except those departing from the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, are landing at one of only four airports: Montreal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ), Calgary (YYC) and Vancouver (YVR).
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day self-isolation upon entry to Canada, applicable to all travelers.
· A credible self-isolation plan must be provided to and approved by Border Services Agency officials upon entry.
· Exemptions to the self-isolation requirement apply only to asymptomatic travelers entering Canada to provide medical care, emergency services, transportation of critical goods (i.e., truck drivers), crew members of certain vessels, and certain persons whose daily commute to and from work includes a land border crossing. Further specifics as to who may be exempted can be found in sections 6-7 here.
· All air passengers, including those traveling to or within Canada, are required to have an appropriate face covering upon boarding. What is deemed to be sufficient in that regard can be found here.
· Those traveling by air or train to or within Canada must answer questions to determine whether they may have or had COVID-19, prior to boarding. Anyone deemed symptomatic will be denied boarding and prohibited from such travel for a minimum of 14 days or until producing a medical certificate declaring the symptoms are not related to COVID-19. Additional questions are asked upon arrival by Canada Border Services Agency officers and/or other officials.
· Anyone returning to Canada via either the Calgary or Edmonton airport will encounter a provincial checkpoint to undergo a thermal temperature check and detail their 14-day self-isolation plan. This screening will happen after they have cleared customs and COVID-19 screening by the Canada Border Services Agency. The province will provide accommodations and access to support to those without an adequate self-isolation plan already in place.
Concessions
· "Immediate family members" now include parents and step-parents, effective until June 30 (in addition to spouses and dependent children).
· No application will be refused due to an applicant's inability to complete a step in the process (such as document submission) based on the COVID-19 situation in their jurisdiction.
· Applicants now have 90 days (instead of 30 days) to submit their biometrics data.
· Express Entry draws for Permanent Residence continue and such applications are still being processed from inside Canada. The draws during the pandemic have favoured individuals within the Canadian Experience Class and provincial nomination categories.
· Foreign nationals in Canada whose statuses will expire can still file an extension application, a restoration application (if their status expired within the past 90 days) or a temporary resident permit application (if their status expired more than 90 days ago).
· On a temporary basis, foreign workers already in Canada who have secured a new job offer or are changing roles can leverage an expedited process to obtain the necessary work authorization.
· International students in full time post-secondary studies may now work 40 hours a week even if not in a scheduled break as defined by the school, as long as they are working in an essential occupation.

· Individuals approved for permanent residence who reside in Canada are now being issued permanent residence documents without having to attend a landing interview.
· In Quebec, the Ministere de l'immigration, la Francisation et l'integration (MIFI) continues to process Quebec Certificates of Acceptation (CAQ) for workers and students as well as Quebec Certificates of Selection (CSQ) for permanent residence applicants. Further, if a foreign national holds a valid CAQ for studies as of April 30, 2020 that expires prior to December 31, 2020, that CAQ is now deemed to be valid to December 31, 2020, allowing these individuals to apply online for a study permit valid to that date.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Layoffs/Furloughs: If the layoff/furlough disproportionately targets or impacts a foreign worker or group of foreign workers relative to Canadian citizens and permanent residents within the organization, compliance and reputational risks arise.
· Reductions in Salary/Hours: No formal guidance on this specific point as yet which means the existing compliance rules remain in place; during a compliance review, an employer risks being found non-compliant if the reduction of hours or salary results in a foreign worker being in a substantially unfavourable position relative to when the application was approved. The pandemic may provide an economic justification for the action, but as in previous economic downturns, decisions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Cape Verde
Travel Restrictions · Suspension of international flights until further notice. · Exit ban for all individuals (including Cape Verde nationals and residents) to Portugal, European countries with confirmed cases, Brazil, Nigeria, Senegal, and the United States until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements · 14-day quarantine in a designated government facility for all nationals and residents returning to the country.

Cayman Islands
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban until further notice for tourist visitors arriving from or who have visited or transited through Austria, Belgium, Mainland China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden or Switzerland within 14 days of arrival.
· Closure of borders to international travelers until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine (or in another place specified by the government) for nationals and residents entering Cayman Islands.
· 14-day quarantine in a designated government facility for all tourists entering Cayman Islands.

Chad

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Suspension of issuance of visas until further notice.

Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all incoming and outgoing international flights until June 5, 2020. Nationals of Chad can enter Chad.
· Exit ban for all individuals, including Chad nationals and residents. · Restriction of movement in major regions including Logona Oriental, Moyen-Kebbi Ouest, Mayo-Kebbi, and
N'Djamena capital, until June 5, 2020.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine for travelers from or who have transited through an affected country.
Chile
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Chile has reopened some government operations. · The Civil Registry office has resumed some operations. Foreign nationals can now apply for their Chilean Identity
Cards but should expect delays in the issuance of the cards. · The International Police Department has resumed some operations. Foreign nationals can now complete their
visa or permanent residence registration online. · Suspension of all visa processing and issuance at all Chilean consular posts until further notice. · Suspension of in-person requests and issuance of police clearance certificates at the Civil Registry office until
further notice. Individuals who have obtained a ClaveUnica password from the Civil Registry may request the certificate online though the Civil Registry's website; the certificate will then be issued digitally. · Suspension of permanent residence applications for nationals of Brazil, China, Cuba, Haiti and Peru due to limited services at ChileAtiende.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for non-resident foreign nationals to Chile until June 3. Foreign nationals holding a visa-in-process receipt issued in Chile are exempt from the ban. Other specific and limited exceptions may apply such as for passengers in transit, minor children of a Chilean national or resident mother or father, or foreign nationals holding a safe passage issued by a Chilean consular post, among others.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for all individuals arriving in Chile.
Concessions
· Automatic extension of the validity of local identity cards issued to foreign nationals who have filed a change of status or renewed residence visa or permanent residence application. Identity cards which expired in 2019 are valid until December 31, 2020; identity cards which expired or are expiring in 2020 are valid for one more year beyond their original expiration date.
· Travel certificates, tourist card duplicates, residence certificates, duplicates of visa registration certificates, and permanent residence validity certificates can be requested by email from the International Police Department. Receipt confirmations will likely be emailed as well.

China (Mainland)

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Suspension of tourist visa endorsements for Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR.
· Suspension of business visa endorsements for Hong Kong SAR.
· Certain work authorization applications may require applicants to be physically in Mainland China. For example, the ZheJiang Expert Bureau requires applicants to provide the local health code document (which creates a green QR code) and commitment letter which are only issued when the applicant is already in Mainland China.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry is only allowed for Chinese citizens, permanent residents of Mainland China, and residents of Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan.
· Entry ban for foreign nationals holding valid Mainland Chinese visas or residence permits issued on or before March 28, 2020 (entry by foreign nationals with visas issued after March 28, 2020 is allowed), which includes those under the following categories:
o APEC Business Travel Cards;
o port visas;
o foreign nationals eligible for the 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy;
o Hainan 30-day visa-free policy;
o 15-day visa-free policy for foreign cruise-groups through Shanghai Port;
o Guangdong 144-hour visa-free policy for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR;
o Guangxi 15-day visa-free policy for foreign tour groups of ASEAN countries.
· Foreign nationals with diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas are not affected by the entry ban.
· Foreign nationals coming to Mainland China for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergency humanitarian needs may apply for visas at Chinese consular posts as they can no longer use a re-entry visa, as they could prior to COVID-19.
· All international passenger flights bound for Beijing are being diverted to one of 12 designated points of entry: Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Taiyuan, Hohhot, Shanghai Pudong, Jinan, Qingdao, Nanjing, Shenyang, Dalian, Zhengzhou and Xi'an.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Medical observation for travelers entering Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong and Chengdu.
· 14-day quarantine at a government facility for foreign nationals applying for a residence permit and medical exam in Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
· 14-day quarantine at a government facility for all travelers entering Guangzhou (including Hong Kong SAR residents, Macao SAR residents and residents from Taiwan region, as well as transiting passengers). Such travelers must also undergo a nucleic acid test.
· 14-day quarantine at a government facility for all travelers entering Shanghai (home quarantine for seniors, juveniles, pregnant women and the disabled if they test negative for COVID-19 upon entry and if they have appropriate quarantine quarters). Diplomats and those entering in Shanghai who engage in activities designated by the government as important economic, trade, scientific research and technical activities, may be subject to specific other quarantine regulations.
· 14-day quarantine at a government facility for all travelers entering Beijing, Tianjin, Shan'xi Province, Shandong Province, Yunnan Province, An'hui Province, Chongqing, Chengdu and Wuhan.

· 14-day quarantine at a government facility for all travelers entering Zhejiang Province, including a governmentfacilitated transfer process and government-facilitated medical observation.
· 28-day quarantine for all travelers entering Guangxi Province, which includes 14 days of centralized medical observation and 14 days of self-quarantine.
Concessions
· Automatic two-month extension of visas and residence permits for foreign nationals currently in Mainland China.
· Employers of business travelers and work permit holders seeking to enter for activities designated by the Chinese government as necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities (there is no available list of such activities) can apply for a new official visa invitation letter from the Foreign Affairs Office in the district where the company is registered in Mainland China, which, once approved by the Foreign Affairs office, can be used to support a visa application at a Chinese consular post. Each Foreign Affairs Office may have different practice and requirements. Contact your immigration provider for more information.
· Reduced supporting documentation requirements for Category A Work Permit applications in Shanghai, shorter processing time for Shanghai Work Permit processing, and other concessions in Shanghai as listed here.
· The rule requiring renewal applications to be filed at least 30 days prior to the expiry of an existing Work Permit is temporarily suspended. This rule has been enforced since February 2018.
· Online applications are accepted without personal appearances in most Expert Bureaus (including but not limited to Shanghai, Beijing, Zhejiang, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Hefei, Tianjing, Chongqing). For all locations, the employer and employee must provide a signed commitment letter to promise the authenticity and validity of their online submission and must maintain the original file for further checks if needed.
Colombia
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Suspension of visa processing and issuance at all Colombian consular posts until further notice (except for certain courtesy visa applications).
· Suspension of all in-person services and processing at Migración Colombia during the state of emergency, which has been declared to last until at least August 31.
· Suspension of in-person applications and services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until further notice, including visa stamping for foreign nationals.
· Suspension of applications for change of visa category for foreign nationals in Colombia under a Visitor Visa status. Holders of Visitor Visas in Colombia may only apply for an extension of status under their same visa category.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban until June 30 for all individuals including Colombian nationals and residents (entering by land or sea), with limited and specific exceptions such as for the repatriation of nationals and residents approved and coordinated by Colombian consulates, entry for humanitarian reasons or cases of force majeure with prior authorization from Migración Colombia and civil aviation authorities, among others.
· Suspension of all incoming and outgoing international flights until August 31, except repatriation flights coordinated by the government. An official decree is expected to be forthcoming.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for all arriving individuals exempt from the entry ban.

Concessions
· Automatic extension until August 31 (or until the government lifts the state of emergency) of the validity period of safe passage documents (salvoconducto) granted to foreign nationals for the following purposes: to resolve an administrative status; to serve a mandated probation period; issued by Migración Colombia in its discretionary power for the safeguarding of a foreign national's fundamental and human rights; or to a foreign national born in Colombia. The validity period of safe passage documents issued for the purpose of requesting a new visa or changing migratory status is not automatically extended at this time.
· Foreign nationals with filed immigration applications with Migración Colombia such as identity card renewals or migratory movements certificates, among others, may request a Certificate of Pending Document from Migración Colombia to prove compliance while their new document is issued.
· Suspension of deadlines for visa stamping at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the state of emergency.
· Possible waiver (determined on a case-by-case basis) of fines and sanctions for foreign nationals unable to complete the visa registration and/or identity card request with Migración Colombia due to coronavirus-related restrictions and measures (at least until August 31).
· Validity periods of Entry Permits for foreign nationals in Colombia will not run between March 19 and August 31.
· Suspension of period of validity for entry to Colombia of Visitor Visas (in the subcategories of provision of temporary services in Colombia and by virtue of an intracompany agreement) issued to foreign nationals outside Colombia who are unable to enter due to coronavirus-related restrictions.
· Suspension of validity for entry to Colombia of Migrant visas issued to foreign nationals outside Colombia who are unable to enter due to coronavirus-related restrictions.
· Migrant Visa and Resident Visa holders who are outside Colombia and unable to return during the state of emergency will not be subject to penalties or revocation of status for remaining outside Colombia over the maximum allowed legal limit.
· Venezuelan nationals with a PEP permit who are unable to return to Colombia during the state of emergency will not be subject to revocation of status for remaining outside of Colombia over the maximum allowed legal limit.

Congo (DR)
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· The Democratic Republic of Congo has started to open government offices. · Government services for the filing, adjudication and collection of immigration applications are available, but
rendered by a reduced staff.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all international flights into/out of the Democratic Republic of Congo from/to countries declared as high risk by the World Health Organization until further notice.
Concessions
· Automatic extension of all visa types for foreign nationals unable to exit the country due to the suspension of flights, until further notice.

Congo (Republic)

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· The Republic of Congo has started to reopen immigration departments.

· Departments have resumed immigration services, though minimal services are available until further notice. Please contact your immigration professional for specific guidance.
· Temporary suspension of issuance of visas for an indefinite period.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all flights into and out of the Republic of Congo until further notice.

Costa Rica

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Suspension of submissions of all immigration applications authorizing work and residence in Costa Rica at the General Immigration Directorate until July 18.
· Suspension of all attorney appointments at the General Immigration Directorate, which will be rescheduled after July 18.
· Suspension of in-person applications for migratory status certificates, which must be requested via e-mail and will be issued digitally.
· Suspension of issuance of initial identity cards (DIMEX) at the General Immigration Directorate for non-residents with approved short-stay visas (visa de estancia), who may instead use the Approval Notice issued by Immigration as proof of legal permanence in the country.
· Suspension of issuance of initial and renewed identity cards (DIMEX) at the General Immigration Directorate. All appointments will be rescheduled after July 18. Temporary and permanent residents (except those who obtained residence based on marriage with a Costa Rican), and special category permit holders can file their initial or renewed identity card requests at a Banco de Costa Rica or Correos de Costa Rica branch during this time.
· Suspension of entry visa processing and issuance at all Costa Rican consular posts.

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban for all non-resident foreign nationals until June 30 at 23:59 local time, except foreign nationals who departed Costa Rica before March 25 at 23:59 local time and who hold a valid temporary or permanent residence; hold a short-stay visa or special category visa; or have a pending application for temporary or permanent residence, short-stay visa or special category visa. The validity of the entry may be extended based on measures implemented by the Costa Rican government.
· Foreign nationals who qualify under the exception above must travel with their valid Costa Rican identification card (DIMEX) or their application filing receipt issued by the General Immigration Institute (subject to discretion of airline personnel) and upon entry, will be subject to the 14-day quarantine (see below).
· Foreign nationals who have pending applications or currently hold a valid temporary or permanent residence, short stay visa or special category visa and who departed Costa Rica between March 25 at 11:59 pm (local time) and June 30 at 23:59 (local time) will be subject to the entry ban. If these foreign nationals attempt to enter Costa Rica during the entry ban period (illegally or otherwise), they will have their Costa Rican immigration status cancelled and/or the immigration applications denied.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· 14-day self-isolation for all individuals entering Costa Rica until the entry ban is lifted.

Concessions

· The penalties that were set to go into effect on April 21, 2020 for foreign nationals leaving Costa Rica after their authorized period of stay has been postponed until further notice and at least until the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency.

· Automatic extension of the validity of identity cards (DIMEX) issued to permanent residents, which will be valid until September 30, 2020. However, permanent residents can file renewed identity card requests at a Banco de Costa Rica or Correos de Costa Rica branch.
· Automatic extension of identity cards (DIMEX) issued to temporary residents and special category visa holders expiring after December 18, 2019, which will be valid until September 30, 2020. However, temporary residents (except those who obtained residence based on marriage with a Costa Rican), and special category permit holders can file renewed identity card requests at a Banco de Costa Rica or Correos de Costa Rica branch.
· Automatic extension of identity cards (DIMEX) issued to short-stay visa holders expiring after March 17, 2020, which will be valid until August 18, 2020. Short-stay visa holders whose DIMEX expired before March 17, 2020 and who have not filed a renewal or change of status application must depart Costa Rica.
· Automatic extension of the validity period for expiring police clearance, birth and marriage certificates, which will be considered valid until September 18, 2020.
· Extension of deadline to file requests for additional documents at the General Immigration Directorate until September 18, 2020.
· Automatic extension of the allowed period of stay in Costa Rica until August 18, 2020, for tourists who entered Costa Rica after December 17, 2019.

Côte D'Ivoire
Travel Restrictions · Entry ban for all foreign nationals until further notice. · Closure of all borders until further notice. · Suspension of incoming and outgoing commercial flights.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements · 14-day quarantine for Ivory Coast nationals and residents returning to Ivory Coast.

Croatia

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Suspension of all immigration applications, except online in-quota Stay and Work Permit applications and posting declarations. Note that the majority of Stay and Work Permit applications are quota-exempt and thus suspended.
· The Police administration, the main Croatian immigration authority, in Zagreb city and Zagreb county is limited to extremely urgent services. A pre-application via email is required to confirm the urgency.

Travel Restrictions

· Croatia is starting to ease travel restrictions.

o Nationals of Austria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia may now enter. Travelers can submit contact details online before travel to streamline entry.

o Foreign national tourists residing in the EU/European Economic Area may enter Croatia carrying proof of hotel or similar accommodation booking.

· Most non-EU nationals are banned from entering Croatia until further notice. Entry remains permitted for the

following persons if returning to their domicile: cross-border workers (who must self-isolate in their home country),

EU nationals (from other countries than those listed above as exempt), UK nationals, nationals of Schengenassociated countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland) and their family members, EU long-term

residence permit holders, those holding other types of EU or national residence permits or long-term visas, among others.
· Land borders with non-European Economic Area countries remain closed through June 15.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for travelers who have been in contact with a COVID-19 infected person.
Concessions
· Foreign nationals abroad for over 30 days without prior notification to Croatian immigration authorities and without notification to a consular post will not be penalized for their stay abroad, where the lack of notification was due to the pandemic.
· Residence permits, resident cards, visas or other legal rights to stay, valid on or after March 11, 2020, are automatically extended for up to 30 days after the end of the state of emergency (no fixed end date).
· Application deadlines ending on or after March 11, 2020 are automatically extended for up to 30 days after the end of the state of emergency (no fixed end date).
· Immigration authorities are issuing Stay and Work Permits and Confirmations on Temporary Residence via email. · All passports and national identification cards issued to nationals of Croatia and which have expired on or after
March 11, 2020 are considered valid during the state of emergency. · Foreign nationals can apply online for a one-year extension of Temporary Stay for work/stay/family reunification
up to 60 days before expiration of their permit.
· Foreign nationals can continue working with an expired Residence Permit, and will not be penalized for missing the extension application deadline.

Curacao
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Curacao has started to reopen governmental offices. · The immigration department has resumed processing of immigration applications, is accepting new residence
permit applications, and has resumed stamping of approved residence permits for foreign nationals with a scheduled appointment. · Suspension until June 22 of processing and issuance of initial or renewed employment permit applications filed after March 30. Acceptance of new applications is also suspended until June 22.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all individuals until further notice, with limited and specific exceptions approved by the government of Curacao.
· Closure of the international airport until further notice.

Cyprus
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Government authorities have reopened, including for the filing and processing of non-urgent entry and residence permit applications. Delays are expected due to backlogs and limited personal access both at migration and labor authorities.

Travel Restrictions
· Until June 8, entry ban for all foreign nationals, except those working in the oil and gas sector who carry a medical certificate confirming a negative COVID-19 test issued no more than 72 hours before entry by a certified medical center in their sending country.
· Until June 8, suspension of incoming commercial flights, except charter flights to repatriate foreign nationals or return Cyprus nationals.
· Cyprus will ease entry restrictions starting June 9:
o All airports will reopen.
o Entry will be permitted for nationals of the following countries, travelling from their home country: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland. These travelers must carry a medical certificate confirming a negative COVID-19 test, issued no more than 72 hours before entry by a certified medical center in their sending country.
o Entry will be permitted for Cyprus residents and entry permit holders, travelling from any location. These travelers must either carry a medical certificate or complete medical testing upon arrival.
o Entry of other nationals will remain restricted until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Until June 8, the following quarantine requirements apply:
o 7-day home quarantine for Cyprus nationals arriving from Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia or Switzerland.
o 14-day home quarantine for all other travelers.
o Travelers must complete quarantine even if quarantine measures are eased at a later date, and even if negative test results are obtained.
· Cyprus nationals can enter Cyprus without a medical certificate, but must complete COVID-19 medical testing upon arrival. Starting June 9, this policy will also apply to Cyprus residents and entry permit holders.
· Starting June 9, 14-day home quarantine for Cyprus residents and entry permit holders. Home quarantine can end once negative test results are obtained.
· Starting June 9, travelers unable to obtain a medical certificate due to unavailability of testing in their sending country can apply for a special entry permit and complete medical testing upon arrival.
· Starting June 20, a medical certificate will only be required from nationals of Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Romania and Switzerland, travelling from their home country. Other eligible travelers need no longer carry a medical certificate from this date. Cyprus nationals or residents travelling from these countries can complete medical testing upon arrival.
Concessions
· Individuals whose Cypriot visa or residence permit expired due to stay abroad for over 90 days must now apply for an entry permit. No sanctions will apply where this stay abroad was due to the pandemic.

Czech Republic
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Consular posts are reopening in many countries, subject to local pandemic-related restrictions. Where consular posts have reopened, the following services have resumed:

o Schengen visa application filing and processing for family members of EU/Czech nationals; transport, critical infrastructure, seasonal, health and social services workers; among limited others;
o Long-term visa and residence permit application filing and processing (including processing of pending applications) for seasonal workers; Key and Scientific Personnel Program applicants (including family members seeking to travel together); Highly Qualified Employees Program applicants; and Qualified Employees Program applicants employed in health and social services occupations;
o Long-term visa and residence permit application filing and processing (including processing of pending applications) for family reunification, for spouses and minor children of Czech residents;
o Long-term visa application filing and processing for residence permit collection (D/VR visa), for approved permits, provided that applicants fall in one of the above categories.
Application filing and processing for other visa and residence permit types remains suspended.
· Immigration offices are only processing registration on arrival and residence cards scheduled with a prior appointment (scheduled via phone or online); and are only issuing bridging labels (which confirm legal stay status) for those who need to travel abroad (proof required).

Travel Restrictions

· The Czech Republic is easing travel restrictions. The following travelers are now permitted entry:
o Czech nationals and their family members;
o EU national residents and their family members;
o EU nationals entering for business purposes or economic activity up to 72 hours;
o Holders of Czech long-term visas, residence permits, visas to collect a residence permit (D/VR visa), seasonal worker visas/permits;
o Visa-exempt or short-term visa holders employed as seasonal workers, key personnel (e.g., scientists) or in the health and social services sectors;
o Cross border workers;
o Certain travelers in transit to their country of residence; and
o University students from an EU country carrying proof of studies.
· Land borders with Austria and Germany have reopened.
· Travel across other land borders remains restricted to designated border crossing points; detailed requirements apply to cross-border workers. Temporary reintroduction of border controls at internal borders has been extended until June 13, 2020. More information is available here.
· Czech nationals and long-term residency permit holders can leave the Czech Republic under limited circumstances such as a business trip, funeral or to visit family, among other emergency situations, for 24 hours or less without needing to quarantine upon return, or for more than 24 hours and then a 14-day quarantine upon their return. All those who leave the Czech Republic must report their return to the Regional Public Health Office.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· 14-day home quarantine for all travelers except: o cross-border workers; o those in transit; o Czech nationals and long-term residency permit holders traveling for a business trip, funeral or to visit family, among other emergency situations; and o limited other exceptions

· Individuals can cease quarantine once negative test results for COVID-19 are obtained.

· Travelers must carry a COVID-19 test certificate issued no more than four days before entry, except: o Czech and EU nationals and their families; o cross-border workers (if their travel outside the Czech Republic does not exceed 14 days); o those in transit; o nationals or long-term residents of Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia staying under 48 hours; o essential workers (who are tested upon arrival); and o residents absent from the Czech Republic for less than 72 hours.
Concessions
· All foreign nationals can legally stay in the Czech Republic for additional 60 days after the end of the state of emergency, until July 17, 2020. The extension applies to all foreign nationals, including those who need visas or residence permits to stay in the Czech Republic and those who can stay in the country without a visa. It also extends employment permits issued by the Labor Office of the Czech Republic for this period.
· Foreign nationals whose Schengen visas or whose visa-free stay has expired during the state of emergency do not need to request an extension from the Alien Police inspectorate. Visas will not be extended and exit orders will not be issued.
· Upon departure from the Czech Republic, each foreign national will be issued an "exit stamp" in their passport which will indicate the legality of their stay in the Czech Republic.
· Applications, notifications and other submissions can be filed by mail to the local Ministry of Interior office.

Denmark

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Denmark has started to open some government offices.
o Applicants can schedule appointments to submit biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) and complete EU Registration at the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI)'s offices in Aabenraa, Aalborg, Aarhus and Odense.
o SIRI Copenhagen has partially reopened for submitting biometric data for approved work permit applications. SIRI Copenhagen will schedule submission appointments for applicants in Denmark; applicants abroad with urgent start dates; visa-exempt applicants. All applicants must have completed 14-day home quarantine before attending.
o No Quick Job Start permits under Fast Track are available until SIRI Copenhagen fully reopens.
o A backlog is expected, causing longer processing times and appointment delay.
· All other government offices are closed until at least June 8, 2020. Services are due to reopen gradually from this date. This will cause longer processing times, cancellation of appointments for EU registrations in Denmark and inability to complete biometrics (therefore, no Quick Job Start permits under the Fast Track are available until government offices reopen).

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban for foreign nationals until further notice, except: o EU nationals carrying a Danish Health card (yellow card); o Residence card holders; o Those in transit to their country of residence; o Those carrying proof of employment in Denmark; and

o Those travelling for urgent purposes, such as visiting a critically or terminal ill family member or those exercising visitation rights with a minor, among limited and specific other exceptions.
· Land border checks are in place. · Travelers are advised to check entry restrictions in transit countries, if applicable.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day self-quarantine for foreign and Danish nationals returning from Italy, Iran, Mainland China, Singapore, South Korea, Japan or Tyrol in Austria.
Concessions
· Foreign nationals with approved permits can start work from their home country, provided that their employment contract or assignment letter is in effect, despite not having collected a visa (normally required for visa nationals) or receiving salary at a Danish bank account (normally required for Pay Limit Scheme permit holders).
· Applicants can submit biometric data until July 2020 from online work and residence permit application filing, where this should normally be completed within two weeks of the application date.
· Civil registration (CPR) number applications can be filed online by authorized representatives for non-EU nationals living in Copenhagen and Aarhus.
· Civil registration number deadlines are extended for those who are not able to complete these requirements in the prescribed time.
· Supporting documents can be submitted online.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Working hours can be decreased but must still correspond to the standard 30 hours per week minimum and the minimum salary level must be met at all times. Any change in salary or working hours due to COVID-19 should be reported to SIRI.
Djibouti
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of commercial flights into/out of Djibouti until further notice. · Closure of borders until further notice.
Dominican Republic
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· The Dominican Republic is reopening government operations. · The General Immigration Directorate has resumed operations, though some services may be delayed due to
closures over the past months. Immigration-related appointments such as for initial or renewed residence permits that were cancelled during the closure are expected to be slowly rescheduled during the next few weeks. · The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has resumed document apostille and legalization services. · Suspension on issuing Business Visas and Business Visas for Work Purposes until further notice, due to the closure of most consular posts.

Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban until further notice (expected until June 30) for all individuals, including nationals and residents of Dominican Republic, except repatriation flights coordinated by the government for nationals of Dominican Republic.
East Timor
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Suspension of acceptance of new visa applications during the state of emergency until June 26, 2020.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all travelers (including Timorese citizens) during the state of emergency (expected to end June 26, 2020).
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine - either at home or government facility (based on the authority's decision) - for travellers who entered prior to the border closure
Concessions
· Foreign nationals are exempt from visa fee payments related to the issuance and extension of certain types of visas for those who (as of April 1) remain in the country and where the visa validity period or visa waiver period expires from April 1, or has expired in the previous 15 days. The exemption will be valid until June 30, 2020 and covers the following visas: o Tourist Visa o Work Visa o Business Visa (Class I and Class ll) o Temporary Stay Visa o Residence Visa
Ecuador
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Closure of all government offices until further notice (expected until at least June 10 in Quito), subject to government review.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban until May 31 for all nationals and foreign nationals, with limited and specific exceptions coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for re-entry of nationals.
· Suspension of all incoming and outgoing commercial flights until May 31, except those coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for humanitarian reasons.
· Ecuador will be gradually easing entry restrictions. Starting June 1, airlines may resume a limited number of international commercial flights to the country, and domestic flights.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements:
· 14-day quarantine in a government designated facility for travelers entering Ecuador. Individuals requiring priority attention (such as minors, pregnant women, persons with disabilities holding a CONADIS authorization, individuals over the age of 65, among others) may undergo the quarantine period at home.
· Starting June 1, all individuals traveling to Ecuador must hold a document issued by a health center or laboratory within the previous 72 hours, confirming that they have tested negative on a COVID-19 PCR test. Travelers who are unable to provide this document must prove through documentation that they were unable to undergo testing due to current governmental restrictions implemented in their country of residence.
Concessions
· Suspension of deadlines for all immigration-related processes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the declared state of emergency in Ecuador (expected until June 10).
· Automatic extension of status for foreign nationals in Ecuador as tourists or temporary or permanent residents, whose status has or will expire on or after March 19, for the duration of the state of emergency. Once the state of emergency in Ecuador is lifted, these foreign nationals will have a 30-day grace period to regularize their status without fines.
· Temporary or permanent residents who were outside Ecuador on March 19 and are unable to return during the state of emergency due to coronavirus-related entry bans or measures will not be subject to penalties or revocation of status for remaining outside of Ecuador over the maximum allowed legal limit.
· Extension of deadline for eligible Venezuelan nationals to obtain the two-year humanitarian temporary visa to regularize their status in Ecuador. They will have a 60-day grace period to regularize their status after the state of emergency is lifted.

Egypt
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Egypt has started to reopen government offices. · Select government agencies have resumed work in a limited capacity. · The Ministry of Manpower is accepting applications for the renewal and cancellation of work permits. The
Ministry is also accepting new work permit applications; however, approvals are not being granted since immigration authorities are closed until further notice.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all commercial flights to/from Egypt until further notice.

El Salvador

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban until June 6 for all non-resident foreign nationals. · Closure of the El Salvador International Airport until further notice.

Concessions

· Suspension of deadlines and fines for foreign nationals who cannot renew their immigration documents during the state of emergency, as announced by the Immigration Department. Such renewal applications should be filed once the state of emergency is lifted.

Equatorial Guinea
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · Suspension of issuance of all immigration applications for foreign nationals outside Equatorial Guinea, until further notice. · Immigration applications are not accepted for foreign nationals outside Equatorial Guinea.
Travel Restrictions · Suspension of all flights into and out of Equatorial Guinea until June 15, 2020.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements · 14-day quarantine for travelers entering Equatorial Guinea from countries with reported coronavirus cases.

Estonia
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Suspension of residence permit application filing and processing.
Travel Restrictions
· Estonia is easing entry restrictions. The following categories are permitted entry: o Asymptomatic travelers arriving from EU/Schengen Area countries or the United Kingdom. o Family of Estonian nationals; o Residents and their family; o Latvian and Lithuanian nationals travelling from Latvia or Lithuania, under a travel bubble agreement; o Cross-border workers travelling between Estonia and Finland / Estonia and Latvia; o Certain essential workers carrying supporting documents and following prior notification; and o Asymptomatic foreign nationals in transit to their residence country.
Other travelers remain banned from entry until further notice. · Ban on flights to and from high-risk countries, including Belgium, Denmark, Russia, Sweden, Turkey and the
United Kingdom until June 7. Allowable flight routes are reviewed and updated daily. · Ban on flights to and from Belarus until June 7. · Land border checks are possible check this site for updated information.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine, except for: o Latvian and Lithuanian nationals travelling from Latvia or Lithuania, under a travel bubble agreement; o Those with special police permission; o Those travelling for urgent family reasons (e.g., funeral, wedding, visit to a close relative); and o Cross-border workers and students travelling between Finland and Estonia for more than once a week.

· Eligible travelers arriving from EU/Schengen Area countries or the United Kingdom must quarantine if travelling from a country with more than 15 infected persons per 100,000 inhabitants over the 14 days preceding entry. Affected countries are updated weekly every Friday on this site.
Concessions
· Foreign nationals performing short-term work in the agricultural sector who have reached their maximum period of stay can extend their employment until July 31, 2020.
· Foreign nationals legally staying in Estonia as of March 12 who cannot return home due to travel restrictions may continue to stay in Estonia. No application is required, their right of stay is automatically extended. Note that those who can still return must do so before the expiry of their Estonian visa or permit.

Eswatini
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · Suspension of visa issuance until further notice. · Residence permit applications can be filed and are being processed and issued.
Travel Restrictions · Entry ban for all foreign nationals until further notice. · Exit ban for foreign nationals, Eswatini nationals and legal residents until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements · 14-day quarantine for all returning Eswatini nationals and legal residents.

Ethiopia
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Suspension of acceptance of applications for and issuance of all visa and residence permits for an indefinite period. Service for issuance of exit visas and cancellation of residence permits is still available for foreign nationals intending to leave Ethiopia.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine for all travelers entering Ethiopia.

Fiji

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban for foreign nationals who have been in Mainland China, Italy, Iran, South Korea or Spain within 14 days prior to their arrival.
· Suspension of ingoing and outgoing flights from Nadi Airport.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· 14-day quarantine for nationals of Fiji returning from Mainland China, Italy, Iran, South Korea or Spain.

Finland
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Residence permit applications where no biometric data (passport photograph and fingerprints) was submitted by March 16, 2020 are suspended. Biometrics must be submitted at consular posts which are currently closed; or incountry, but entry for this travel purpose is currently suspended.
· Consular posts are closed until June 14 (extendable).
Travel Restrictions
· Finland has eased certain entry restrictions. · The following categories of travelers can enter from both outside and within the Schengen Area:
o Finnish nationals and their family members; o Foreign national residents; o Non-resident residence permit holders; o EU/Schengen Area nationals and EU/Schengen Area residents in transit to their country of residence;
and o Essential traffic, including healthcare, elderly care and transport workers; those with imperative family
or humanitarian travel need; and those with medical needs. · The following categories of travelers can enter from another EU/Schengen country:
o Non-EU nationals (including those without a residence permit from a Schengen country) employed or assigned in Finland, carrying proof of employment / assignment;
o Family members of Finnish residents; o Essential seasonal workers listed on the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland's seasonal
worker quota; and o Cross-border workers, including EU nationals and work-authorized non-EU nationals, carrying proof
of employment. · Other categories remain barred from entry until June 14. · Land border checks on internal Schengen borders remain in place until June 14 (renewable).
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for all travelers.
Concessions
· Residence permit applicants have until August 31, 2020 to submit original documents and biometrics at a consular post, where this must typically be completed within three months of online pre-application.

France

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· France has started reopening government administrations.
· Foreign nationals' applications will be reviewed according to a priority order decided by the authorities. Social distancing measures will limit the administrations' capacity for visitors (including the Préfectures).

o Foreign nationals with residence permits expiring March 16May 15, 2020, which were automatically extended for six months, will be treated as low level priority for the authorities since they have already benefited from the automatic extension.
· Some consular posts have reopened online appointment scheduling services.
· Short and long-term visa issuance is suspended. If an appointment is scheduled, another appointment will have to be made once the relevant authorities re-open.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for non-resident foreign nationals until June 15, except:
o French nationals and their family members;
o EU nationals with compelling economic reasons for travel carrying an employment contract, e.g., seasonal workers;
o Long-term residents in France;
o Cross-border workers;
o EU national posted workers whose assignment cannot be postponed;
o Nationals and long-term residents of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and the United Kingdom returning to their country of residence; and
o Anyone with a vital occupation. See the Government Communiqué for more information.
· Land border checks are possible check this site for updated information.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· All travellers entering France must complete and carry a travel certificate that can be obtained on the French government website. The document must be presented to transportation companies before boarding and to border control authorities.
o There is a specific certificate for individuals who are travelling to France from the European Union, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the Vatican, and another specific one for those entering from any other country. These certificates include a legal declaration that travellers do not have any COVID-19 symptoms. This certificate relating to the entry from the European Union includes a new option for Posted Workers, indicating that Posted Workers who remain in France for less than 48 hours are not subject to quarantine, while those who stay more than 48 hours must have their employer organize their quarantine in their home country.
· 14-day home quarantine for international arrivals, including nationals of the United Kingdom and Spain, except those from the rest of the European Union, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and Vatican City. Excluded nationals are only required to quarantine if they show symptoms of COVID-19.
Concessions
· Some Préfectures send residence permits by regular mail, once approved.
· Automatic extension of residence permits for lawfully residing foreign nationals expiring May 16-June 15 is forthcoming, pending a Senate vote. Several Préfectures are already applying this extension.
· Schengen visa holders unable to enter France due to pandemic-related restrictions may apply for a new visa at no cost and under a simplified procedure.
· Residence permits for lawfully residing foreign nationals expiring March 16May 15 were automatically extended for six months. This extension covers long-stay visas, residence cards, provisional residence permits and authorizations, and receipts for applications for residence permits.

o Foreign nationals must remain in France during the extension period to avoid re-entry difficulties. If abroad when the extension was granted, foreign nationals are advised to re-enter directly, avoiding transit, since the extension may not be recognized by other countries.
o Foreign nationals should carry a copy of their passport, their entry visa/residence permit/Récépissé and the relevant press release in case of a labor inspection. Some Préfectures offer online attestations to confirm extension.
o The extension does not include short-stay visa holders. If unable to exit France due to pandemicrelated restrictions, short-stay visa holders can request an extension from the Préfecture (some locations offer online applications).
· Long-stay visas expiring March 16-May 15 for visa holders unable to enter France due to pandemic-related restrictions were automatically extended for six months. The authorities have not yet confirmed if anything further is required to take advantage of this extension and to be able to enter France.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· The Partial Activity Scheme allows employers to reduce employees' work hours. Under the Partial Activity Scheme, the government covers part of employees' remuneration; employers may elect to pay the remaining amount. Employers who choose to use this Scheme do not risk losing a work permit if they reduce an employee's salary.
Gabon
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all flights into and out of Gabon for an indefinite period.
Concessions
· Extension of visas that expire during the suspension of flights. Foreign nationals must apply for the extension at least three days before expiry.
· Extension of resident cards that will expire while flights are suspended. Resident card holders must apply prior to expiry, or will be fined.
· Automatic extension of stay in Gabon for foreign nationals from the Southern African Development Community (Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) who are unable to exit due to the suspension of flights.
Gambia
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all flights into and out of Gambia until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine for travelers from Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mainland China, Czechia, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iceland Iran, Iraq, Ireland Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Georgia
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all foreign nationals until further notice. Exceptions include Georgian residents, family of Georgian nationals, European Economic Area nationals holding a permanent residence card, and airline crew traveling on government-organized repatriation flights.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine in a designated facility for all travelers.
Germany
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Immigration offices operate with limited services, typically only for emergency applications. o Immigration offices in Berlin and Munich require an emergency appointment. o The immigration office in Frankfurt am Main offers emergency online services via email.
· Town halls are closed or limited to emergency applications. Please check your town hall before visiting.
Travel Restrictions
· The land border with Luxembourg reopened May 15, without border controls. · Most non-EU nationals are banned from entering Germany through June 15, 2020. Entry remains permitted for
EU nationals, UK nationals, nationals of Schengen-associated countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland) and their family members, EU long-term residence permit holders, those holding other types of EU or national residence permits, among others. · Border controls reintroduced on a temporary basis at internal borders to Austria and Denmark (until further notice); and to France and Switzerland through June 15, 2020. Land border crossing is limited to certain border points. Travelers cannot enter or leave Germany without proving a good reason or if they are exempt. Good reasons will be assessed at the discretion of the border officer based on the circumstances. Exemptions apply for cross-border workers, commuters, German citizens and foreign nationals holding a German permit. Check this site for updated information.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for travelers having spent several days abroad. The federal government has recommended that EU nationals be exempted from quarantine requirements, but most Federal States/Bundesländer have not yet introduced such an exemption.
Concessions
· Until June 30, third-country nationals in Germany holding a valid C-Visa on March 17 or who travelled to Germany between March 17-April 9 with a valid C-Visa are exempt from obtaining a residence permit after their C-Visa expires. If the C-Visa was combined with a work permission, the third-country national can continue working under this work permission until June 30.
· Foreign residents living in Berlin will not be penalized for the expiry of temporary residence documents while alien office services are restricted. However, exiting and re-entering Germany is only possible with a valid residence document.

Ghana
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Ghana has started to reopen immigration departments. · Most immigration departments have resumed operations. Work permit application are being accepted,
adjudicated, and approvals are being issued. · Issuance of visas-on-arrival is still suspended. · Suspension of visa filing and issuance until further notice.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for travelers, except Ghanaian nationals and residence permit holders, until further notice. · Exit ban for foreign and Ghanaian nationals until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine for Ghanaian nationals and residence permit holders entering Ghana.
Concessions
· Announcement of waiver of penalty for foreign nationals whose permits expired during lockdown expected from the authorities.
Greece
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Greece has started to open some government processing. · Issued permits are being handed to applicants who schedule an appointment to obtain their permit. · The government is accepting documents for incomplete files that were submitted prior to COVID-19 via courier. · Change of status applications are being accepted via courier. · Initial and renewal immigration application processing is suspended until further notice. · Visits to most public authorities now require an appointment where these were not previously required.
Appointments can be refused if the appointment cause is considered non-urgent (no strict definition provided).
Travel Restrictions
· Most non-EU nationals are banned from entering Greece until June 15, 2020. Entry remains permitted for UK nationals, nationals of Schengen-associated countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland) and their family members, EU long-term residence permit holders, those holding other types of EU or national residence permits or long-term visas, including, per a verbal confirmation from airport personnel, blue receipt holders who have not received approval on their renewal yet. The above travelers may request entry permission for urgent travel needs at a consular post.
· Commercial flights are banned from Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom until further notice. · Land, sea and air borders with Albania, Turkey and North Macedonia closed until June 14.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· All travelers must take a COVID-19 test upon entry and must await the test result at a hotel designated by the government. After result is ready (usually within 1 day), 14-day home quarantine for those who test negative for COVID-19; 14-day quarantine at a government facility for those who test positive.
Concessions
· Residence permits or blue receipts that expired from February 11 to June 30, 2020 are automatically extended until December 31, 2020.
· Those required to apply for an initial residence permit in country between March 12-May 15, 2020 may submit their application until September 30, 2020 without sanctions or penalties.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· The work/residence authorization for furloughed foreign workers or those placed on unemployment or whose hours or salary are reduced is not affected. Renewal applications for EU Blue Card holders whose salary was reduced may be negatively affected; case-by-case review is advised for this category.
Guatemala
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· The Ministry of Labor has reopened to the public, by appointment only and with a reduced schedule from 8:0012:00 (local time). Individuals can now schedule appointments for filing initial or renewed work permit applications, work permit cancellations, requests for additional documentation and for retrieving work permit approvals. Delays are expected due to a limited number of appointments and limited designated days for filing each type of application.
· Reduced schedule from 8:00-12:00 (local time) for submission of initial and renewed residence applications and company registrations at the General Immigration Institute.
· Suspension of issuance of passports until further notice, except in urgent cases. · Suspension of document apostille and legalization until further notice. · Suspension of services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until further notice, except for urgent cases.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban until further notice for all individuals entering Guatemala, except Guatemalan nationals and permanent residents, and other limited and specific exceptions.
· Suspension of passenger flights into and out of Guatemala until further notice, with limited and specific exceptions such as for humanitarian reasons.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for all nationals and permanent residents entering Guatemala.
Concessions
· Automatic extension of the allowed period of stay in Guatemala during the declared state of emergency for nonresident foreign nationals who entered Guatemala on or after March 5, 2020. Such foreign nationals do not have to apply for a visa extension. Foreign nationals who entered the country before March 5, 2020 and whose allowed period of stay expires must regularize their status with the General Immigration Institute.

· Suspension of deadlines during the state of emergency for all processes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Labor and the General Immigration Institute. Work Permits and Residence Permits granted to foreign nationals will remain valid during this time.

Guinea (Republic)
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · Suspension of visas for travelers from countries with reported coronavirus cases.
Travel Restrictions · Suspension of international flights into and out of Guinea for an indefinite period. Returning Guinea nationals and residents are allowed to return to Guinea.

Guinea-Bissau
Travel Restrictions
· Closure of all borders for an indefinite period. · Suspension of international flights into and out of Guinea-Bissau for an indefinite period. Returning Guinea-Bissau
nationals and residents are allowed to return.

Guyana
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · Suspension of submission, processing and issuance of online Tourist Visas, visas-on-arrival and Permits to Land until further notice.
Travel Restrictions · International airport closed for any incoming or outgoing international flights until June 2. · Invalidation of visa-on-arrival pre-approvals for foreign nationals who have not yet entered Guyana.

Honduras

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Suspension of all immigration-related processes at all governmental entities until June 7.

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban until June 7 for all non-resident foreign nationals.
· Suspension of all passenger flights to Honduras until further notice, with limited and specific exceptions such as for humanitarian operations approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Concessions

· Suspension of immigration-related deadlines and fines for foreign nationals in Honduras during the declared state of emergency (at least until June 7).

Hong Kong (SAR)
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· The immigration department has reopened for full public services on May 4, 2020, except for its Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres service and passenger immigration clearance service.
· Extension of stay applications can only be submitted maximum one month prior to visa expiry. Approval notification will be sent in approximately two to three weeks.
· The processing time for entry visa applications will be longer than standard four to six weeks
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all non-Hong Kong residents entering from overseas countries and regions by plane. · Entry ban for non-Hong Kong residents entering from Mainland China, Macau SAR or Taiwan if they have been to
any overseas countries and regions in the previous 14 days. · Suspension of all transit services at Hong Kong International Airport. · Starting June 1, air transit/transfer services at Hong Kong International Airport will be resumed in phases. The no-
entry restriction for non-Hong Kong residents from overseas will remain unchanged.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Until June 7, 2020, 14-day home quarantine for all travelers entering Hong Kong SAR, including travellers entering from Macau SAR and Taiwan, including Hong Kong and non-Hong Kong residents, except the following: o those who enter Hong Kong SAR to receive or provide services in relation to nursery, kindergarten, primary or secondary education at a school registered under the Education Ordinance in Hong Kong; and o those whose travel is related to manufacturing, business activities or the provision of professional services considered by the Hong Kong government to be in the interest of Hong Kong's economic development.
· Until June 18, 2020, 14-day home quarantine for all international travelers arriving at Hong Kong SAR. · All asymptomatic inbound travellers arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport must wait up to 12 hours at a
designated location for their COVID-19 test result. The Department of Health may place asymptomatic inbound travellers who need to wait for test results overnight at the Regal Oriental Hotel.

Hungary
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· The personal customer service department of the Labor office is closed; visits to inquire about the status of permits are not possible at this time.
· Due to the entry ban and consular closures, applications other than initial and renewal applications for in-country applicants cannot be filed at this time.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for foreign nationals, except: o Czech and Slovak nationals staying for less than 48 hours; o European Economic Area (EEA) nationals holding a permanent residence card;

o Nationals from the Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, Poland, Slovakia, South Korea travelling from their home country on an intracompany business trip;
o Austrian nationals travelling from Austria as commuter or on an intracompany business trip; and
o Serbian nationals travelling from Serbia.
· Asymptomatic travelers seeking special consideration may petition police authorities for permission to enter. Petitions must be submitted online. Special consideration can be granted for e.g., transport work, student exams or urgent family reasons.
· Land border checks are possible check this site for updated information. Cross-border traffic is possible for cross-border workers at designated border crossing points along the Austrian, Croatian, Romanian and Slovak border. Restrictions apply on the distance of residence from the border.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Health screening followed by quarantine for symptomatic travelers, or 14-day home quarantine for asymptomatic travelers with continued medical screening. The following categories need not quarantine provided they remain asymptomatic:
o Nationals from Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, South Korea travelling from their home country on an intracompany business trip;
o Hungarian nationals and EEA nationals holding a permanent resident card, travelling from Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, South Korea on an intracompany business trip;
o Nationals of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, staying in Hungary for under 48 hours;
o Hungarian nationals, and EEA nationals holding a permanent resident card, who stayed in the Czech Republic or Slovakia for no more than 48 hours need not quarantine;
o Austrian and Hungarian nationals and EEA nationals holding a permanent resident card entering from Austria, carrying a medical certificate (in English or Hungarian) confirming that the traveler does not have COVID-19 issued no more than four days before entry;
o Serbian and Hungarian nationals and EEA nationals holding a permanent resident card entering from Serbia; and
o Hungarian nationals and EEA nationals holding a permanent resident card recovered from COVID19, after 14-day quarantine in a government facility, or after another form of 14-day epidemiological observation.
Concessions
· Initial and renewal applications for in-country applicants can still be filed and processed. After a preliminary online filing, an authorized representative can request an appointment at the immigration office and submit further documents online; the applicant can then submit biometric data at the immigration office appointment. Approved permits are sent via regular mail.
· Automatic extension for 45 days after the state of emergency ends for documents proving legal stay issued to foreign nationals with the right of free movement and residence and to third-country nationals, including settlement permits and immigration permits. After the state of emergency end, extension processing will likely be delayed.
· EU registrations and residence permit extension applications can be submitted online, where these normally require a personal visit.

Iceland
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Work permit applications submitted after March 15 are on hold until further notice. Applicants employed in healthcare or care for the elderly may request an exception. Work permit renewal applications submitted after March 15 will still be processed.
· Expedited processing of both work and residence permits will be suspended until further notice. Standard processing can take up to 180 calendar days from the date of application.
Travel Restrictions
· Most non-EU nationals are banned from entering Iceland until June 15. Entry remains permitted for EU nationals and their family members, UK nationals, nationals of Schengen-associated countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland) and their family members, EU long-term residence permit holders, those holding other types of EU or national residence permits or long-term visas, among others.
· Exemptions from the entry ban include essential travel, transiting passengers, acute family incident-related travel, among limited others.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for all travelers arriving from countries with a high risk of infection. · Starting June 15, travelers are expected to be given a choice between 14-day quarantine or a COVID-19 test (or
otherwise proving they are free from COVID-19 infection).
Other restrictions
· Labor market testing will apply to work and residence permit applications for Qualified Professionals where this was not previously required.

India

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Suspension of all visa services until further notice.

Travel Restrictions

· Suspension of incoming and outgoing international passenger airline services until June 30, 2020.
· Domestic air travel has resumed with a phased-in approach.
· The Ministry of External Affairs is arranging for the repatriation of Indian nationals overseas in phases. Indian nationals who need to travel back to India for compelling reasons must register with their jurisdictional Indian mission. Details regarding the registration process and associated deadlines are available on each Indian mission's website.
· The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with Air India is facilitating international travel for Indian and foreign nationals from India via non-scheduled commercial flights. Eligible travelers include citizens and visa holders (with a minimum validity of at least one year) of the destination country, Green Card and Overseas Citizen of India cardholders. Indian nationals holding a visa valid for six months for the relevant destination country can leave India in case of medical emergencies or death of a family member overseas.
· Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders with compelling reasons to return to India can now register for the repatriation flights being scheduled by the government of India.

Concessions
· Visas granted to foreign nationals who are already in India remain valid. · Employment visa holders with on-going assignments in India can extend their visas in-country along with their
dependents as per the existing process. · Foreign nationals who cannot leave India due to current travel bans and are holding any other visas that have
upcoming expiration dates or which are nearing their maximum consecutive stay may extend their visas incountry or obtain Exit Permits to leave India once the lock down is lifted. Applications will be reviewed on a caseby-case basis by the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office once submitted. · Indian nationals who are required to travel back to India for compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian mission to understand if any special travel arrangements can be made.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Layoffs/Furloughs: If an employee is furloughed, the employer must ensure that their salary remains above the annual threshold of INR 1,625,000. In the event of a layoff, the employer must inform the local FRRO/FRO immediately upon termination of employment.
· Reductions in Salary/Hours: If there is a reduction in an employee's salary or work hours, employers must keep salaries above the annual threshold of INR 1,625,000.
Indonesia
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Ministry of Manpower (MOM) office is closed until May 29, 2020. Online submission remains available and the MOM is contactable via email. o Temporary suspension for new applications for Foreign Manpower Utilization Plans (RPTKA) and Work Permits (Notifikasi). However, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will still process RPTKA and Notifikasi applications for work permit renewals.
· Directorate General of Immigration (DGI) office is closed until May 29, 2020, but the DGI remains contactable via email. o Temporary suspension for all Telex (visa pre-approval) applications.
· Local Immigration offices: o Immigration offices in Jakarta are not accepting applications until further notice. o Batam Immigration office is closed until May 29, 2020. o Bandung Immigration office is closed and not accepting any applications until further notice. o Tangerang Immigration office is closed and not accepting any applications until further notice. o Ngurah Rai Immigration office (Bali) is currently not accepting any applications until further notice. o Denpasar Immigration office (Bali) is only accepting manual submissions for in-country cancellation (EPO) applications.
· Temporary suspension of visa applications at Indonesian consular posts globally.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry and transit ban for all foreign national visitors. This includes foreign nationals who hold Visit Visas, Business Visas, and Limited Stay Visas (VITAS). Exemptions include Work Permit/ITAS (stay permit) and ITAP holders, diplomats, flight crew, humanitarian workers, and workers entering for national strategic projects.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· At the discretion of the relevant authorities, all travellers may be subject to a 14-day quarantine in a government facility or supervised self-quarantine.
· All visitors must undergo a health assessment upon arrival, including an interview, temperature check, screening for COVID-19 symptoms, an oxygen saturation examination, and a COVID-19 test (Rapid Test and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR)).

· Foreign nationals entering Indonesia are advised to present a medical certificate (in English), issued within the previous 7 days by the local health authorities in their departure country. The medical certificate should confirm that they have tested negative on a PCR test. The foreign national will then need to complete an additional health exam upon arrival (as mentioned above), likely with a COVID-19 Rapid Test. If they are found to be asymptomatic and without other health conditions, they will be issued a health clearance certificate and a Health Alert Card (HAC) and may then be permitted to enter. The foreign national should then conduct a 14-day self-quarantine period at home or at the hotel. The health clearance certificate will be submitted to the foreign national's home country Embassy in Indonesia, so that monitoring can be carried out during the foreign national's self-quarantine period.
o For foreign nationals who are unable to provide the medical certificate issued within the previous 7 days by the local health authorities in their departure country and/or if the health certificate does not indicate a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, then additional COVID-19 testing may be conducted (including the Rapid Test and PCR). The foreign national may need to remain in a government facility while waiting for the test results.
· Foreign nationals entering Indonesia may also be asked to produce a statement letter to confirm that they are willing to be quarantined for 14 days, as carried out by the Indonesian government, if required.
· Note that the specific quarantine and health screening procedures on arrival are likely to vary between the ports of entry and are likely to evolve as the authorities provide further clarifications.
· All travellers who exit Indonesia may also be required to present a health certificate/letter issued by a hospital in Indonesia, confirming that they are free from COVID-19 (issued within the previous 7 days).
· ITAS/ITAP holders who are planning to enter Bali via Ngurah Rai International Airport must present a medical certificate issued within the previous 7 days. The medical certificate should confirm that they have tested negative on a COVID-19 PCR test. In addition, they must also complete an online application form (https://cekdiri.baliprov.go.id) before entering Bali. Once completed, a QR code will be issued and the traveller will need to present the code to the officers at the airport.

Concessions

· Foreign nationals who entered Indonesia under a Visa Exemption, Visa on Arrival (VOA), Single Entry Business Visa (SEBV) or Multiple Entry Business Visa (MEBV) are not required to extend their visit visa at the local Immigration Office. The overstay penalty (IDR 1,000,000 per day) will be waived.

· Foreign nationals in Indonesia whose ITAS or ITAP has expired and/or cannot be extended will automatically be granted emergency stay permission without having to apply at the Immigration Office. There is no fee for this emergency stay permit. (Note: Foreign nationals should remain in Indonesia until they receive their renewed stay permit.)

· Foreign nationals in Indonesia holding a short term work permit who are unable to return to their home country due to lockdown restrictions may renew the Foreign Manpower Utilization Plans (RPTKA) and their Work Permits (Notifikasi) and ITAS (stay permit) in-country. This does not apply for citizens of restricted countries: Afghanistan, Guinea, Israel, North Korea, Cameroon, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, and Somalia.

· Foreign nationals holding an expired ITAS/ITAP/MERP who are currently overseas may re-enter Indonesia. However, they must re-enter through one of the seven designated entry points: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta); Juanda International Airport (Surabaya); Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali); Kualanamu International Airport (Medan); Hang Nadim International Airport (Batam); Batam Center Port (Batam); and Citra Tritunas Port (Batam). Upon entry, they may be required to remain in Indonesia until they have renewed their permit.

· Telex-VITAS (and other Telex) which were issued from January 1, 2020 (but which have not been used and have now expired) will automatically be reactivated for another 60 calendar days, after the pandemic is declared by the Indonesian government to be officially over.
· Visas (such as the VITAS) which were issued from January 1, 2020 (but which have not been used to enter Indonesia and have now expired) will automatically be reactivated for another 90 calendar days, after the pandemic is declared by the Indonesian government to be officially over. Only visas issued by Indonesian consular posts that have implemented the SIMKIM application will be eligible for the automatic reactivation. In the case where a foreign national will be entering the country on the basis of a reactivated Telex-VITAS or VITAS, the employer must report their arrival to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The procedures for this reporting requirement have yet to be announced by the MOM.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Layoffs/Furlough: From an immigration perspective, furloughs should be possible as the Ministry of Manpower has not set a minimum salary requirement for foreign work permit applicants. Check with your immigration provider for the current policy as this position can change. While on furlough, the foreign employee's work permit should remain sponsored by the Indonesian sponsoring company, and the company must ensure that it remains valid. In case of a layoff, the employer must ensure that the work permit -- and related immigration documents -- are cancelled. The employer is responsible for covering the costs associated with repatriation.
· Reductions in Salary/Hours: From an immigration perspective, salary and/or work hour reductions should be possible. Check with your immigration provider for the current policy as this position can change.
Iraq
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Iraq has started to reopen government departments in a limited capacity. · Select state-controlled concession-holding companies (FODs) in Basrah have resumed work in a limited capacity.
Such government departments may limit their work hours. Please contact your Fragomen representative to verify if FODs in your jurisdiction are operational.
· Only applications submitted prior to the government's suspension of work will be processed; new applications will not be accepted.
· On an exceptional case-by-case basis, oil field passes are being issued depending on the jurisdiction.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of movement within Iraq as well as between Iraqi Kurdistan and Federal Iraq until June 6 (the latest curfew was extended due to increase of COVID-19 infections).
· Suspension of all passenger flights (domestic and international) until June 6.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Quarantine for nationals of Iraq and foreign residents in Iraq who have visited Mainland China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Macau SAR, Singapore, South Korea or Thailand in the 14 days prior to travel to Iraq.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Layoffs/Furlough: No government notification is required for a furlough. If the employee is laid off, the employer must cancel the foreign national's visa immediately with the Ministry of Interior.
· Reductions in Salary/Hours: Employers are not required to notify government officials if there is a change in base salary or work hours.

Iraqi Kurdistan
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· All government services have been suspended until June 6, 2020.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of movement between Iraqi Kurdistan and Federal Iraq until further notice (the latest curfew was extended due to increase of COVID-19 infections until June 6).
· Suspension of passenger flights (domestic and international) until further notice (expected until June 6, 2020).
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· No less than 30-day quarantine for nationals of all countries, including nationals of Iraq. · All travelers who entered Iraqi Kurdistan between February 15 and March 30, 2020 must contact hotline 122 or
visit the nearest coronavirus testing clinic or laboratory to obtain a coronavirus test, unless they have been in quarantine or are foreign nationals based on the oil fields. Individuals who have negative test results will be issued a document of examination and those who test positive will be quarantined. Iraqi nationals who returned during this period and do not have a document proving they have been examined will have legal measures taken against them. Although it is not a mandatory requirement, it is not clear what the sanctions are for noncompliance.

Ireland

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· All types of immigration applications (except entry visas and citizenship applications) continue to be accepted and processed, although processing delays might occur.
· Closure of all local in-country registration offices, which means Irish Residence Permit cards not being issued (see Concessions below regarding renewals). All existing appointments will be cancelled, and applicants have been asked not to appear at the registration offices. In most cases this has no impact on foreign nationals due to the blanket IRP card renewal and the authorities' willingness to accept applications by email /electronically (Refer to Concessions below.)
· Entry visa processing is suspended for all new applications, except for emergency visas (e.g., for healthcare professionals among limited others), applicants whose residence card expired while abroad, and family members of EU national residents. Contact your Fragomen professional for advice. Note this only affects visa required nationals.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· 14-day self-isolation upon arrival for all travelers (including Irish residents) returning / traveling to Ireland.

Concessions

· Blanket automatic renewal of immigration permissions due to expire between March 20-July 20, 2020. This applies to all permission types, including visitors, dependents, and permissions already renewed under automatic extension. Eligible permissions are automatically renewed for two months from the expiry date, provided that permit conditions continue to be met. Permit conditions remain the same as for the existing permission. Written renewal applications (for those cases which require them) are still required to be filed in the background in the usual way if a right to work and/or residence is still required past July 20.

· Electronic filing of all types of immigration applications (except citizenship) is allowed. Decisions/permits will be sent to the applicants or their agents by email.

· Visa-exempt nationals can now enter with a scanned copy of the work permit/permission, instead of the hard copy approval which is normally required.
· Where de-registration is required, foreign nationals can temporarily retain original permits. Authorities can be notified of the de-registration electronically. Foreign nationals will be required to surrender original permits once pandemic-related restrictions are resolved.
· Those with pending Employment Permit renewal applications can now automatically continue working after expiry of their prior permit. Under the standard process before the pandemic, there was no uniform policy on this point. Case-by-case review was required and in-person applications were necessary in some cases.
· Student permission/visa holders can now work 40 hours a week until further notice, if courses are completed online if that service is provided by the school/college.
· Overall increase in flexibility on the part of the immigration authorities, e.g., by accepting electronic/scanned signatures, online filing, email approvals, leniency on notified salary/work hour changes.
· See government FAQ for more information.
Other Restrictions
· Employers allowing employment permit holders to work from home must notify the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation (DBEI).
For more detailed information on Ireland please see Fragomen's FAQs.
Israel
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Work permit applications and extensions are available on a more limited basis.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all non-resident foreign nationals until further notice, except those with extraordinary permission from the Population and Immigration Authority (e.g., granted for staff in emergency services).
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for Israeli nationals and residents entering Israel. Quarantine requirements may be revised once borders reopen.
Concessions
· B-1 work visas for foreign experts with expiry dates up to May 10, 2020 were automatically extended for two months. Short-Term Employment Authorization (SEA) (normally valid up to 45 calendar days per year); ShortTerm Expedited Process (STEP) work visa (normally valid up to 90 calendar days per year); and Hi-Tech B-1 Work Visa (HIT visa) (normally valid up to 90 calendar days per year); with expiry dates up to May 10 were similarly automatically extended for two months.
· Israeli authorities have created a special visa type for urgent repairs of machines and installations.
Other Restrictions
· Foreign nationals staying in Israel with visas expiring on or after May 10 are advised to apply for extension promptly. Applications and extensions are available on a more limited basis and these visa holders are not covered by the automatic visa extension.

Italy
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Public offices have closed until further notice. All activities where personal presence is required, such as approval and collection of work permits, police appointments and appointments scheduled with public offices to submit/collect documents, are suspended.
· Suspension of stay permit issuance until further notice. · Immigration applications pending as of or filed after February 23 are now being processed.
Travel Restrictions
· Until June 3, most non-EU nationals are banned from entering Italy. Entry remains permitted for EU nationals, UK nationals, nationals of Schengen-associated countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland) and their family members, EU long-term residence permit holders, those holding other types of EU or national residence permits or long-term visas, among others.
· Italy will ease travel restrictions starting June 3. Entry will be possible for non-EU nationals travelling for work, absolute necessity, health needs or to reenter Italy as the place of residence.
· Land border checks are possible check this site for updated information.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day self-isolation for all travelers. · Italy will ease quarantine requirements starting June 3: travelers from EU/Schengen Area countries, Andorra,
Ireland, Monaco, San Marino, United Kingdom and Vatican City will be exempt from quarantine.
Concessions
· Eligible foreign nationals with serious health conditions preventing their travel home can apply for a residence permit for medical treatment.
· All Italian permits, authorizations, certificates and clearances, including residence permits (permessi di soggiorno) expiring between January 31-July 31 are automatically extended until August 31, 2020. Applicants can submit renewal applications until October 29.
· The validity of Italian identification documents (identity cards, passports etc.) expiring on or after March 17 has been automatically extended until August 31.
Other Restrictions
· Short-term travelers must submit a declaration that they entered Italy for proven working requirements for a maximum of 72 hours or for a justified extension for specific needs for additional 48 hours.
· Severe delays in permit issuance for all immigration processes.
Jamaica
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all travelers by air and sea until May 31, with limited exceptions and protocols for the re-entry of Jamaican nationals that will be established and coordinated by the government. Please see Jamaican government website and contact your immigration professional for specific advice.

Japan
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Government offices are open.
· The Ministry of Justice is not issuing Certificates of Eligibility to foreign nationals arriving from countries which are subject to entry bans, until further notice. These foreign nationals will be required to file at a later date.
Travel Restrictions
· ENTRY BANS
· Entry ban for foreign nationals who have visited or stayed in the following areas within the 14 days prior to their arrival (underlined text indicates countries added May 27, 2020):
o Asia: Bangladesh, Brunei, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
o Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
o North America: Canada, United States
o Latin America: Argentina, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Uruguay
o Europe: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican
o Middle East: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Israel, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates
o Africa: Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, Morocco, Sao Tome and Principe, South Africa
· An entry ban remains in place for foreign nationals who hold Chinese passports issued in Hubei Province or Zhejiang Province of China.
· Existing visa holders: Foreign nationals holding Japanese visa status may be permitted to re-enter Japan (at the discretion of the immigration officer) under the following circumstances only:

· SUSPENSION OF VISA VALIDITY
o Validity of visas will be suspended until June 30, 2020 (unless further extended), including Certificate of Eligibility holders):
Single and multiple-entry visas issued on or before March 8, 2020 by consular posts in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and South Korea

o Single and multiple-entry visas issued on or before March 20, 2020 by Japanese consular posts in the following countries:
Europe: Andorra, Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican
Middle East: Egypt, Iran
o Single and multiple-entry visas issued on or before March 27, 2020 by Japanese consular posts in the following countries:
Asia: Brunei, Indonesia (including those holding the "visa waiver registration certificate"), Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Middle East: Bahrain, Israel, Qatar
Africa: Democratic Republic of the Congo
o Single and multiple-entry visas issued on or before April 2, 2020 by Japanese consular posts in the following countries:
Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste
Oceania: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Latin America: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guyana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela
Europe: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Middle East: Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates (including those holding the "visa waiver registration certificate"), Yemen
Africa: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
· SUSPENSION OF VISA EXEMPTION
o Visa exemption for the following passport holders has been suspended until June 30, 2020 (unless further extended):
Asia: Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Oceania: Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands
Latin America: Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay
Europe: Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vatican

Middle East: Israel, Iran, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates Africa: Lesotho, Tunisia · APEC BUSINESS TRAVEL CARD HOLDERS: Visa exemptions granted to APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders are suspended, including for nationals of Brunei, China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam · LIMITATION OF PORTS OF ENTRY: Passenger flights from Mainland China, South Korea, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR are required to fly into Japan through Tokyo's Narita International Airport and Osaka's Kansai International Airport
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine at a designated facility for all Japanese and foreign nationals arriving in Japan. · Japanese and foreign nationals arriving in Japan from the list of countries within the entry ban list are subject to
COVID-19 testing. · Every passenger must complete a health declaration card.
Concessions
· Visa extensions granted for temporary visitor visa holders from Hubei Province, who are unable to return to Hubei Province
· Visa extensions granted for temporary visitor visa holders who are unable to secure return flights to return to their home countries due to the Covid-19 situation in their home country.
· To prevent overcrowding at the Immigration Services Agency, applications for visa extensions, Change of Status of Residence, and Acquisition of Status will be accepted for foreign nationals who hold any category of visa (including Temporary Visitor Visas, but excluding "Designated Activities for Departure Preparation Period") for up to 3 months from the existing visa expiry date (if the existing expiry date is in March, April, May, June, or July).
· Certificates of Eligibility (COE) will now be valid for 6 months, instead of 3 months. Applicants seeking to apply for a Consular entry visa with a COE older than 3 months must submit a letter from the sponsoring entity stating that it will accept the assignee with the same terms and conditions of employment as at the time the COE application was filed. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant Japanese Consulate to confirm if the letter will be accepted.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Furlough/Lay-offs: Generally, sponsored visa holders who are placed on leave without pay and whose annual salary is effectively reduced to an amount below the minimum salary requirement of JPY 2,400,000 may be negatively impacted.
· Reduced salary/hours: Reductions in salary/hours, while possible, are similarly subject to meeting the minimum salary requirement; the employee's role and duties must also remain consistent with the position that was initially approved.
Jordan
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Jordan has reopened government agencies in a limited capacity.
Travel Restrictions
· Closure of all land, sea, and air borders for all passenger traffic until further notice.

· Suspension of movement between governorates. Residents are required to obtain a permit in order to leave the governorate.

Kazakhstan

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Migration offices in Nur-Sultan and Atyrau have resumed visa applications, visa extensions, cancellation of visas and online notifications of arrival.
o Letter of invitation applications, exit visas and temporary residence permits remain suspended.
o Migration office services in other regions remain suspended until further notice: new visa applications, letter of invitation applications, exit visas, notifications of arrival and temporary residence permits.
· Labour departments in all regions have resumed initial, renewal and pending work permit applications for applicants who entered Kazakhstan before February 27, 2020. Other applications remain suspended.
o The Labour Department in Atyrau additionally accepts work permit renewal applications (typically filed from abroad), unless applicants are from Belgium, France, Germany, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Mainland China, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States.
· Consular posts are reopening in some countries. Applicants are advised to check with their consular post.
· Suspension of transit visa exemption for Mainland Chinese nationals until July 1, 2020.
· Potential invalidation of visas held by Mainland Chinese nationals in Kazakhstan.

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban for all travelers (including transit), except Kazakh nationals and residence permit holders among limited other exceptions.
· Suspension of the visa waiver for 57 countries (including EU countries, Australia, Canada and the United States, among others) until November 1, 2020. Once the general entry ban is lifted, these nationals can apply for a visa. Visa exemptions based on bilateral agreements (applicable to Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Russia and Ukraine, among others) continue to apply, and can be used once the general entry ban is lifted.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· 14-day home quarantine, plus 10-day health monitoring for travelers from Mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, South Korea or Spain.
· 14-day self-isolation with medical supervision plus 10-day health monitoring for travelers from the Netherlands, Switzerland or the United Kingdom
· 24-day medical supervision by phone for travelers from Belgium, India, Iraq, Norway, Philippines, Sweden and the United States.
· Out-of-country visa applicants must submit a medical certificate showing negative results for COVID-19, issued no more than 48 hours before collecting their newly stamped visa. This restriction will take effect once visa applications are reopened.

Concessions

· Foreign nationals with a valid residence status on or after March 27, 2020 will not be penalized for overstay or expiry of their status through July 10, 2020. Affected foreign nationals must return home or apply for extension between May 11-July 10.

· Foreign nationals can submit work permit applications online through egov.kz or elicense.kz where this was not previously possible. This will remain an option after COVID-19 concerns are over.

· Work experience letters, which must be included in each work permit application to explain the applicant's qualifications and professional experience, can now be submitted online through egov.kz or elicense.kz where a hardcopy letter was previously required. This will remain an option after COVID-19 concerns are over.

Kenya
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · Reduced immigration services for an indefinite period.
Travel Restrictions · Suspension of all international flights in and out of Kenya.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements · 14-day self-quarantine for Kenyan citizens and valid residence permit holders. They may also choose to use a government designated quarantine facility upon entry for 14 days.
Concessions · Foreign nationals can apply online to extend their Visitors' Pass and Resident Permits/Passes for those that expire while restrictions are in place.

Korea (South)
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Immigration offices remain open and there have been no announced plans to implement a reduced workweek or operations.
· Suspension of visa waiver for Japanese passport holders, with some very limited exceptions (for aircraft/vessel crew and transit passengers)
· Suspension of validity of all existing single- and multiple-entry visas issued to Japanese nationals by Korean consular posts in Japan. This does not affect Korean long-term visas issued to Japanese nationals who are holding Korean Alien Registration Cards.
· Suspension of visa-waiver entry for nationals of 56 countries: New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Haiti, El Salvador, Uruguay, Jamaica, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Guatemala, Grenada, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Saint Lucia, Republic of Suriname, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Bulgaria, Italy, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Russia, Romania, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Spain, Slovakia, Iceland, Estonia, Austria, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Portugal, Poland, France, Finland, Hungary, Morocco, UAE, Israel, Tunisia, and Lesotho
· Suspension of visa-free entry for nationals of 34 countries: Nauru, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Kiribati, Australia, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Fiji, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Brunei, Samoa, Tonga, Argentina, Ecuador, Honduras, Canada, Paraguay, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Serbia, Croatia, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Mauritius, Republic of South Africa, Botswana, Kingdom of Eswatini and Seychelles
· Visas now required for transit through South Korea, for Mainland Chinese nationals and visa nationals arriving from Mainland China (with some exceptions)
· Short-term visas issued before April 6, 2020 are invalidated and foreign nationals who hold short-term visas that were issued before April 6, 2020 must re-apply for new visas, under more stringent rules and greater scrutiny by the Korean consular posts. Applicants will now be required to submit additional documents (such as a medical

certificate issued within 48 hours before visa application and an agreement to quarantine) and may be interviewed on one's health status.
o C-4 (Short-term Employment) Visas and long-term work visas (D-7, D-8, E-7, etc.) are not impacted and remain valid.
o Short-term visas and visa status of foreign nationals already in South Korea will not be invalidated.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for foreign nationals who have visited or resided in Hubei Province in China within 14 days of entry.
· Entry ban for Chinese nationals holding passports issued in Hubei Province.
· Potential entry restriction for Chinese nationals with Korean visas issued at the Korean consular post in Hubei Province. A case-by-case assessment is needed, and consultation with the airline is recommended prior to entry.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home isolation for all travellers. Those without a standalone residence must undergo the self-isolation period at a government designated facility.
· Travelers may be requested to install a self-diagnosis application on their personal device which they need to regularly update for 14 days after arrival in South Korea (guidance will be provided at the airport), verify their address in South Korea, provide a phone number in South Korea, and complete a Health Declaration Form and a Travel Record Declaration Form which must be presented upon arrival.
· Foreign nationals who apply for South Korean visas at consular posts in Japan must submit health status verification confirmation forms (the consular post may also request a hospital-issued medical verification letter) and are also subject to heightened review of their applications (technical details should be checked with the applicable consular post in Japan). Exceptions on a discretionary basis can be requested for humanitarian reasons.
· Anyone entering from Europe or the United States is subject to mandatory COVID-19 testing (likely at the airport or otherwise within 3 days of entry at a designated testing center--guidance will be provided at the airport). Those entering from elsewhere who shows symptoms of COVID-19 are subject to COVID-19 testing at the airport. Anyone who tests positive would be admitted to a designated hospital or treatment center.
· Effective June 1, 2020, all registered long-term visa holders who seek to depart and return to South Korea will need to obtain a re-entry permit from the immigration office in South Korea before departing South Korea. At the time of the re-entry permit application, the long-term visa holder must submit a consent form for medical examination and submission of diagnosis before re-entry; and before returning to Korea, they must obtain a written diagnosis report from a medical institution in the country the traveler is visiting and present it prior to boarding the return flight bound for South Korea and upon re-entry into South Korea at airport immigration. The government will cancel the visa and alien registration of long-term visa holders who depart South Korea without obtaining the re-entry permit. Also, long-term visa holders who fail to present the above diagnosis report will be prohibited from re-entry into South Korea. The re-entry permit will be granted only on a single-entry basis. The following are exempt from these requirements: A-1 diplomats, A-2 officials, A-3 SOFA visa holders and F-4 overseas Korean visa holders.
o The diagnosis report must be issued: (i) in Korean or English; (ii) from an authorized medical institution; (iii) based on a medical examination conducted no earlier than 48 hours prior to the date of departure; (iv) indicating date of medical examination and name and signature of examiner; and (v) diagnosis of fever, cough, chills, headache, difficulty in breathing, muscle pain and pulmonary symptoms. The diagnosis report does not need to indicate whether one has tested negative for COVID-19 (but if the diagnosis report indicates a negative test result, it will be considered as a valid diagnosis).
o The traveler can obtain the re-entry permit at the airport on the day of their departure - early arrival at the airport is recommended. An online application system for the re-entry permit will also likely become operational in June. It is generally recommended that the traveler obtain the re-entry permit prior to their departure date, whether at an immigration office or through the online system.

Concessions
· Automatic extension for three months from the existing visa expiry date for long-term visa holders with Alien Registration Cards whose period of stay expires on or before May 31, 2020, but only if they were in South Korea on April 9 when this automatic extension policy went into effect. One should first check if they are covered by the extension and not automatically assume the same (Fragomen can assist in checking online, upon request, if we have or are provided their passport/ARC copies).
· Foreign nationals in Korea on B-1/B-2 visas-on-arrival or C-3/C-4 visas who are unable to leave South Korea due to flight restrictions from South Korea to their home country or country of residence can apply for an extension of their visa for up to 30 days (generally, the extension would be granted up to the date of the outbound flight secured). Depending on circumstances, applicants may be able to apply for an additional extension, which may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Layoffs/Furlough: Ideally, from a Korean immigration perspective, sponsored work visa holders should not be furloughed or placed on leave without pay, although the authorities currently apply different rules and standards depending on the category of visa. If an assignee on a D-line visa (such as the D-7, D-8, or D-9 visa) is furloughed, then the assignment may be deemed by the authorities to have ended. The government may request that the assignee depart South Korea within 30 days and surrender their Alien Registration Card. On the other hand, if a locally-hired foreign employee (i.e., holding the standard local employee E-7 visa) is furloughed, then the E-7 visa holder will not be required to depart South (as the authorities are unlikely to consider the employment relationship as terminated). Note that there is no regulatory guidance on (i) how long the furlough may last without further triggering the termination of an E-line visa; and (ii) whether an E-7 visa holder who is in the midst of a furlough (or who underwent a lengthy period of furlough) would be eligible for a visa extension.
· Reductions in Salary/Hours: Under certain circumstances, it may be possible to reduce sponsored employees' work hours. Where part-time arrangements are implemented, the employer should ensure that the employee's salary remains on par with industry norms, and that the role and duties remain consistent with the position initially approved. If the employee's salary level is reduced below industry norms, then the employee may encounter issues (and potential rejection) when filing a subsequent visa extension application. (An F-4 visa, which is not tied to corporate sponsorship, is unaffected by salary reductions.)
Kosovo
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Visa / residence permit application filing is suspended.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban on all borders for foreign nationals.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine at a separate facility for all travelers.
Concessions
· Residence permits which were valid on or after March 16, 2020 are automatically extended for the duration of the pandemic.

Kuwait
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Closure of all government agencies until further notice.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all travelers, except nationals of Kuwait and their first-degree relatives who have obtained a Kuwaiti embassy's approval for entry. Passengers must install a "Shlonik" app on their mobile devices before departure (the app is used for monitoring people under home quarantine).
· Suspension of all commercial flights to/from Kuwait until further notice. · There are no more government-sponsored repatriation flights. However, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation
(DGCA) announced that Kuwaiti nationals, their first-degree relatives, as well as accompanying nannies and house workers will be allowed to book flights back to the country. It is not clear as of when this policy will be effective, considering the existing suspension of flights.
Concessions
· Expired work and residence permits for foreign nationals outside Kuwait can be renewed by employers in Kuwait. · Foreign nationals can renew their residency permits and update personal details on their residence permits
through an online portal (the residency renewal service applies only to those whose residency permits expired in March 2020).

Laos
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Suspension of visas-on-arrival and visa exemptions until further notice. · Suspension of visas for nationals from countries with COVID-19 cases, with limited exceptions.
Travel Restrictions
· Closure of land, air and sea borders until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day self-quarantine for travelers who (i) enter from countries with more than 100 people diagnosed with COVID-19 (ii) enter from countries with a border connected to Laos from a province that is not bordered with Laos that have more than 10 infected patients, or a province that is bordered with Laos that have more than 3 infected patients, and (iii) have previously been in contact with people diagnosed with COVID-19.

Latvia
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Suspension of processing of short-term and long-term visas until June 9, 2020. · Suspension of immigration document issuance until June 9, 2020. · Immigration documents cannot be submitted in person until June 9, 2020. Issuance of immigration documents is
possible by appointment only until then.

Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for foreign nationals, except Latvian temporary or permanent residence holders, and Estonian and Lithuanian nationals who have not been outside Estonia/Latvia in 14 days prior to entry, according to an agreement to create a travel bubble between the Baltic states.
· Entry remains possible by road at internal EU borders only, or with permission from the Minister of Transport. · Further land border checks are possible check this site for updated information.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for all travelers, except Estonian and Lithuanian nationals who have not been outside Estonia/Lithuania in the 14 days prior to entry, according to an agreement to create a travel bubble between the Baltic states.
Concessions
· Applicants can submit documents electronically (with secure electronic signature and time-stamp) or by regular mail for application types still accepted (in-country residence permit applications and renewals). The migration office is accepting courier delivery for documents sent from abroad.
· The right to stay of foreign nationals with a valid visa, residence permit or other legal right to stay in Latvia on March 13 is automatically extended for up to one month after the end of the state of emergency (currently in place until June 9). Those seeking to exit Latvia can do so once possible and up to one month after the end of the state of emergency, with no sanctions for overstay. Those seeking to stay in Latvia can apply for renewal or change of status once possible and up to one month after the end of the state of emergency, with no sanctions related to gaps in their residence status.
Lebanon
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Lebanon has started to reopen some government agencies. · Some government agencies have resumed work in a limited capacity.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all passenger flights until further notice. Repatriation flights may re-start again soon.
Concessions
· Foreign nationals in Lebanon can renew their work and residency visas but decisions may be subject to more discretion than usual.
Lesotho
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Lesotho has started to reopen immigration departments. · Most immigration departments have resumed operations. Work permit applications are being accepted,
adjudicated, and approvals are being issued.

Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all flights into and out of Lesotho until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine in a government facility for any person displaying symptoms of COVID-19. · 14-day home quarantine for all arrivals into Lesotho and for anyone who has been in contact with a person testing
positive for COVID-19.
Liechtenstein
Travel Restrictions
· Most non-EU nationals are banned from entering Liechtenstein until further notice. Entry remains permitted for EU nationals, UK nationals, nationals of Schengen-associated countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland) and their family members, EU long-term residence permit holders, those holding other types of EU or national residence permits or long-term visas, among others.
Lithuania
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for non-resident foreign nationals, except: o Polish nationals travelling for work, business or study purposes; o Estonian and Latvian nationals and residents travelling from Estonia or Latvia, provided they have not left these countries in the 14 days before travel, under a travel bubble agreement; o National visa holders, travelling for work, business or study purposes; o Transit for repatriation under strict conditions; o Limited and specific exceptions such as for crew members and NATO members; and o Ferry transport on the Kiel - Rostock - Travemünde and Klaipda route, provided that passengers respect safety rules.
· State border crossing limited to the following airports: Vilnius, Kaunas, Palanga and Siauliai international airports. · Land border checks are possible check this site for updated information.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for all travelers, except: o Polish nationals travelling from Poland for work, business or study purposes; and o Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian nationals and residents travelling from Estonia or Latvia, eligible to enter under a travel bubble agreement.
Luxembourg
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Luxembourg is reopening immigration services

· Application filing and processing for both initial and renewal work and residence authorization applications has resumed. Authorities will prioritize pending applications. Backlog and processing delay is expected. o Foreign nationals with expired statuses abroad are advised to apply for extension. Once the extension is issued, foreign nationals can apply for a new visa, provided the consular post has reopened. o Some reopened consular posts are contacting applicants with individual instructions. Affected applicants are advised to follow those instructions.
· The Immigration Directorate continues to only accept documents sent by mail. In-person visits remain suspended until further notice.
· Labor market testing, required for local hire applications, is delayed by six weeks.
Travel Restrictions
· Most non-EU nationals are banned from entering Luxembourg until June 15. Entry remains permitted for EU nationals, UK nationals, nationals of Schengen-associated countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland) and their family members, EU long-term residence permit holders, those holding other types of EU or national residence permits or long-term visas, among others.
· Luxembourg nationals and residents remain allowed to return.
· Land border checks are possible check this site for updated information.
Concessions
· Foreign nationals staying in Luxembourg with short or long stay visas, (temporary) residence permits and residence cards expiring on or after March 1; and visa-exempt nationals exceeding their 90 days of allowable stay in a 180-day period on or after March 1; remain compliant for the duration of the state of emergency (currently until June 25). o Those who completed in-country registration will receive permits in due time now that immigration processing has resumed. Processing delay is expected. o Those who did not yet complete in-country registration must schedule an appointment online to submit biometric data (fingerprints and passport photograph).
· Foreign nationals who cannot leave Luxembourg due to travel bans can obtain an extended residence permit on an exceptional basis.
· Police clearance certificate applications can be filed via email.
Other Restrictions
· Foreign nationals in Luxembourg with a valid work and residence authorization cannot obtain a residence permit without a medical certificate. Furthermore, temporary work authorizations can only be renewed on an exceptional basis if the residence permit cannot be delivered because of the missing medical certificate.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Foreign workers on temporary unemployment or reduced hours or salary due to the pandemic would not risk losing their work/residence status directly. Affected foreign nationals' files will be reviewed with leniency on a case-by-case basis.

Macau (SAR)

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Macau SAR has reopened some government departments.

· Suspension of Individual Visit Scheme for Macau for Mainland Chinese nationals.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all non-residents (even those with valid Macau Blue Cards). This does not include residents of Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan.
· Entry ban for Hubei Province residents unless they present a medical certificate proving they are clear of the coronavirus.
· Travelers exempt from the entry ban who have visited any overseas countries / territories, excluding Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR or Taiwan within the past 14 days prior to entry will be banned from entry.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Individuals who have been to Hong Kong SAR or Taiwan within 14 days prior to entry into Macau SAR must at the discretion of the health authorities undergo medical observation for 14 days at a designated venue in Macau.
· Macau students returning from studying abroad must, at the discretion of the health authorities, undergo medical observation for 14 days at a designated venue in Macau.
· Eligible travelers entering Macau SAR must present a Port of Entry Health Declaration. More information is available on the Macau SAR government website.
· Eligible travelers who visited Hubei Province 14 days prior to entry to Macau SAR must present a medical certificate proving they are clear of the coronavirus.
Other Restrictions
· All persons seeking to enter a government building in Macau (even those accompanying applicants) must possess a Personal Health Declaration from the Macau Health Bureau. This form can be completed online and is valid for one day. The government has not announced how long this requirement will be in place.

Madagascar
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · Immigration services are currently operating on a minimum service basis. Visa applications are being accepted, however processing is currently suspended until further notice.
Travel Restrictions · Entry ban for foreign nationals and nationals of Madagascar until June 15. · Suspension of flights out of Madagascar until June 15. · Closure of maritime borders for all passengers until June 15, 2020.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements · 14-day quarantine for foreign nationals arriving from Mainland China. · 14-day quarantine for travelers entering the region of Ambatovy until further notice.

Malawi

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Suspension of visa issuance to foreign nationals from high-risk countries.

Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all international flights into and out of Malawi for an indefinite period. Returning Malawi nationals and residents will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
· Entry ban for foreign nationals traveling to Malawi from high risk countries which include Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from the Southern African Development Community (Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) are exempt from the entry ban.
· Exit ban for all foreign and Malawi nationals for an indefinite period.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day self-quarantine for returning Malawi nationals and residents.
Malaysia
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Malaysia has reopened most government offices. · The immigration department has resumed operations.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for tourists and foreign visitors through June 9, 2020. · Ban on overseas travel for Malaysians through June 9, 2020.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Starting June 1, new entry requirements for returning Malaysians and foreign nationals, with limited exceptions. · 14-day quarantine at designated quarantine center for returning Malaysians.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· For furloughs, immediate government notification is not required; however, minimum salary thresholds must still be observed during the furlough. At the time of renewal, justification will also need to be provided explaining the nature and circumstances of salary reductions to what the original salary should have been (based on the original work pass application). If the employee is laid off, the employer must cancel the work pass with the Immigration Department.
Mali
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of flights into Mali from countries with reported coronavirus cases, for an indefinite period.

Malta
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· New work permit applications are restricted to the Key Employee Initiative (for highly specialized applicants earning more than EUR 30,000 per year) and medical professionals.
· New residence documents for UK national residents are suspended until further notice.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for non-resident foreign nationals. Entry is permitted for repatriation flights, among limited others. · Suspension of all inbound passenger flights. · Maltese nationals and residents seeking to return to Malta from areas where flights are canceled may contact the
Situation Centre at the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs. · Land border checks are possible check this site for updated information.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine for all travelers and persons living in their household.
Concessions
· Live-in caregivers and healthcare professionals can obtain three-month permit renewal via email. · Employers of foreign national employees whose residence cards are set to expire shortly should register via email
and submit a renewal application online. Change of employer applications and initial single permit applications should also be submitted online by the employer. · Employers seeking to apply for key employees or medical staff should register via email and apply online. · Visa and residence applicants, renewal applicants, or EU nationals (including UK nationals) and their family seeking registration or renewal; may apply after the 14-day quarantine period lapses. Those who entered March 1-31 or held valid status in March may apply after the quarantine period lapses without negative consequences for missing application deadlines. Note that this category too may be restricted to key employee applicants.

Mauritania
Travel Restrictions · Suspension of flights into Mauritania for an indefinite period. · Closure of borders with Mali, Morocco and Senegal.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements · 14-day quarantine at a quarantine facility for travelers who enter from any country with confirmed coronavirus cases.

Mauritius

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · Suspension of visa filing and issuance until further notice, except Occupation Permit filings are being accepted.

Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for foreign nationals, except residents of Mauritius and their spouse and children, until June 1, 2020. · Suspension of flights into and out of Mauritius until June 1, 2020.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine at a government facility for residents of Mauritius and their spouse and children.
Concessions
· All work permits that are set to expire in 2020 will be automatically extended until December 2021. · All applicants who have submitted applications via the National E- Licensing System and whose Occupation/
Residence permit has expired or is about to expire during the imposed curfew will be issued an automatic extension of three months from the date of expiry of the permit. Once the curfew is lifted, applicants will be called for an appointment for verification of original documents and issuance of the relevant permit. · Automatic three-month extension of expired business and tourist visas for foreign nationals who have applied for a new, or renewal of, Occupation/Resident permit via the National E-Licensing System. · Visas or residence permits for foreign nationals/non-citizens (business or tourism) who expired between March 19 and May 30, 2020, will remain valid until June 29, 2020. · Visas or permits for stays, business or tourism expired between May 31 and June 20, 2020, will remain valid until July 20, 2020.

Mexico
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Delays expected for all immigration-related processes due to measures implemented by the INM in all its branches, such as reduced staff, limited number of applications allowed per day, and limited number of in-person registration slots per day.
· Suspension of document apostille by all federal and local offices of the Secretaría de Gobernación. · Suspension of document legalization by all offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. · Suspension of passport issuance by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. · Suspension of issuance of birth and marriage certificates, and registration of children born abroad to Mexican
parents, by all federal and local civil registry offices.
Travel Restrictions
· Only essential travel is permitted across the U.S.-Mexico land borders through at least June 22. In general terms, the agency defines non-essential travel as travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, business travelers, and those with valid U.S. travel documents are exempt from the border restrictions. However, it is possible business travelers could face additional scrutiny at the border. The policy may be reviewed for possible extension in late June if the COVID emergency remains ongoing. Click to read more.
Concessions
· Suspension of deadlines until further notice (as determined by the Ministry of Health), for all immigration-related processes under the jurisdiction of the National Immigration Institute, for foreign nationals with temporary or permanent residence status in Mexico.

· Extensions for the validity period of exit-re-entry permits expiring on or after April 1, issued to foreign nationals with resident status in Mexico may be granted. However, each regional office processing the application may have its own criteria. Contact your immigration professional for case specific advice.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· There are no immigration implications for furloughs or reductions in hours or salary; however, a labor law consultation is recommended. If the employee is laid off, the foreign national must change sponsorship to remain in Mexico and must notify the immigration authorities within 90 days of a change in employer. The employer is not required to notify the immigration authorities upon termination of employment.
Moldova
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Moldovan authorities are gradually resuming activities. The Bureau for Migration and Asylum is resuming processing and issuance of residence permits, residence permit renewals and repatriation confirmations for foreign nationals.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all travelers until June 30, except: o Moldovan nationals and their family; o Holders of long-stay visas, residence permits or equivalent documents; o Holders of short-term visas travelling for professional reasons; o Diplomats; and o Those in transit.
Concessions
· Residence permits that expired during the state of emergency (which expired on May 15), are automatically extended by 60 days.
· Administrative sanctions will not apply to foreign nationals who have failed to submit their stay extension documents to the Bureau of Migration and Asylum due to the restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and who left Moldova within 30 days of the lifting the state of emergency (which expired on May 15), provided that their stay in Moldova was legal at the time when the state of emergency was established (March 15).
Mongolia
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Limited government (including immigration department) workers as government and non-government entities been ordered to quarantine.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for Mainland Chinese nationals entering from Mainland China or elsewhere who have a Mongolian visa, even if they are residents of Mongolia, until June 30, 2020.
· Entry ban for Japanese and South Korean nationals until June 30, 2020.

· Entry ban for foreign nationals who have visited Mainland China, Japan or South Korea in January or February 2020.
· Closure of all borders between Mainland China and Mongolia including Buyant-Ukhaa Airport. · Suspension of international flights from Buyant-Ukhaa Airport until June 30, 2020. · Closure of all borders between Hong Kong and Mongolia. · Closure of all land borders for passenger transportation with Mainland China (including Zamin Uud train station)
until June 30, 2020.
Montenegro
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · Application filing for all immigration permits is suspended.
Travel Restrictions · Entry ban for all travelers, except Montenegrin nationals and residents.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements · 14-day self-isolation for Montenegrin national and resident travelers.
Morocco
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · Closure of all government agencies until June 10.
Travel Restrictions · Suspension of all commercial domestic and international flights. · Suspension of repatriation flights for foreign nationals.
Concessions · It is expected that foreign nationals with expired visas in Morocco, including visit visas, will be exempt from overstay fines once the situation stabilizes and government authorities resume their work.
Mozambique
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · Suspension of issuance of all visa types through June 30, 2020. However, applications can be submitted for short-term and long-term work permits. · Temporary suspension of all visa waiver agreements. · Suspension of visas-on-arrival. · Visas already issued to foreign nationals have been revoked with immediate effect.

Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all flights into and out of Mozambique until June 30, 2020, except in the case of repatriation entry carried out by the Mozambican government.
· Closure of land borders from Eswatini, Malawi, South Africa and Zimbabwe until June 30, 2020, except in the case of repatriation entry carried out by the Mozambican government.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day self-quarantine for returning Mozambican nationals.
Concessions
· Foreign nationals in Mozambique whose business, visitor or tourist visas have reached the maximum extension limit can apply for an extension.
· Foreign nationals whose short-term work permit has expired can apply for an extension. · Foreign nationals with expired border visas (which cannot typically be extended) can apply for an extension to be
able to exit the country. · Foreign nationals holding a Residence Permit who are outside the country can renew their identification and
residence documents when they return, provided they are able to prove that they were unable to return to Mozambique before expiry of the permit due to coronavirus restrictions. · All residence and work permits that expire after March 26, 2020 will be automatically extended until June 30, 2020.
Myanmar
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Government workers are operating on a rotational basis. · Suspension of visa exemptions until June 15, 2020. · Until June 15, 2020, suspension of issuance of Visas-on-Arrival and e-Visas for all countries. · Suspension of Myanmar visa approvals in all countries for Mainland Chinese passport holders.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of commercial flights into Myanmar until June 15. · Entry ban for all foreign nationals who visited South Korea or Mainland China in the 14 days prior to entering
Myanmar · Entry ban on all foreign nationals through any border check point between Myanmar and its neighboring
countries. Foreign nationals with valid entry visas may enter and exit to and from Myanmar only at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw International Airports.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine at a quarantine facility for Myanmar and foreign nationals. · Foreign nationals must present laboratory evidence of absence of COVID-19 issued no more than 72 hours prior
to boarding their flight to Myanmar.

Namibia
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all foreign nationals until June 29, 2020. · Exit ban for Namibian nationals and permanent residents until further notice. This does not apply to Namibian
nationals or permanent residents seeking medical treatment, humanitarian assistance, truck drivers transporting food and other essential commodities, returning citizens or permanent residents. · Domestic travel is possible effective May 6, 2020. · International borders will gradually reopen from June 30 - September 16, 2020.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day self-quarantine for Namibian nationals and residents arriving from Mainland China, Iran, Japan, Schengen States, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Nepal
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Until June 2, 2020, suspension of visa-on-arrival for all foreign nationals. Foreign nationals must obtain a visa from a Nepali consular post prior to travel.
· Until June 2, 2020, all foreign nationals with an issued Nepali visa will need to submit a COVID-19 health certificate (issued within the 7 days prior to arrival) to the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
· Until June 2, 2020, suspension of visa-free facility for Non-Resident Nepalese card holders. · Until June 2, 2020, suspension of visa services by the Department of Immigration. Visas that are expiring within
that period may be extended after the suspension period if the visa is valid at least until March 21, 2020 and the foreign national appears at the Department of Immigration within 7 days after regular services resume. Visas that expired before March 21, 2020 are subject to the regular late fees and penalties.
Travel Restrictions
· Until May 31, 2020, closure of all land ports of entry to foreign nationals. · All international flights into Nepal suspended until May 31, 2020.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day self-quarantine for all foreign nationals and Nepali nationals returning to Nepal (including non-resident Nepalis).
Netherlands
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· The Dutch Immigration Authority (IND) is gradually reopening desk services. o IND officials are working remotely until further notice. Applications are processed as usual although there could be some delays.

o Immigration officials will contact both visa-exempt and visa nationals to schedule a residence card collection appointment. Foreign nationals should anticipate appointment waiting times since there is a backlog and desk capacity is limited due to safety measures.
o Visa-exempt nationals can now schedule an IND appointment to submit a photograph and fingerprints (biometric data) for an initial permit application.
o Access to IND desks is limited to the affected applicant only; payment of service fees is limited to debit card.
o As before, IND desks continue to offer the following limited services until further notice: Schengen visa extensions, return visas and EU family member applications, among limited others. Applicants are advised to check the IND website before visiting.
· Long-stay visas (MVVs) are only issued for family members of Dutch citizens and urgent applications. All other applications are suspended.
· The Labour Authority (UWV) continues to process short-term work permit applications, although travel for shortterm work is not currently possible under the entry ban. Employers should notify the UWV if short-term work permits are not used for four consecutive weeks.
· Town halls may limit their desk support to 'urgent services' (with no strict definition of urgent), but request that anyone with symptoms of illness refrain from visiting. Municipal services at Expatcenters (combined immigration and municipal service centers) continue at some locations, while others are closed. Applicants are advised to consult their municipality website before visiting.
Travel Restrictions
· Most non-EU nationals are banned from entering the Netherlands until June 15, 2020. Entry remains permitted for EU nationals, UK nationals, nationals of Schengen-associated countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland) and their family members, EU long-term residence permit holders, those holding other types of EU or national residence permits or long-term visas, and those in transit, among others.
· Land border checks are possible check this site for updated information.
Concessions
· Individuals currently in the Netherlands with long-stay visas (MVVs) will be contacted by the IND to collect a residence card. They will not be penalized for staying in the Netherlands after expiry of their MVV, provided that delay in collecting a residence card was due to IND service restrictions and consequent backlog. Dutch authorities are similarly expected to be lenient to visa-exempt nationals overstaying their allowable stay based on their visa-exempt passport.
· Foreign nationals who cannot travel to the Netherlands during the validity of their MVV should visit their Dutch consular post to request re-issuance of their visa and will need to explain their inability to travel due to COVID-19 restrictions. Foreign nationals who cannot collect their long-stay visa within three months of permit approval should request the consular post to extend the collection deadline in due time and will need to explain their inability to collect their visa earlier due to COVID-19 restrictions.
· Foreign nationals with a work authorization approval who cannot collect a corresponding endorsement sticker may perform work based on their approval letter. Please contact an immigration professional for case-by-case review.
· Short-term visa extension is possible based on force majeure. Visa-exempt nationals may apply for a long-term visa or residence visa.
Other Restrictions
· Short-term work permit holders who do not use their permit for a four-week period, even if due to travel restrictions, must inform the Labor Authority (UWV) accordingly. Please contact an immigration professional for case-by-case review.

· Employers and universities whose sponsored workers or students are no longer traveling to the Netherlands must notify the Immigration Authority within 28 calendar days. Employers whose foreign workers' salary no longer meets the applicable salary threshold due to the pandemic must similarly notify the Immigration Authority within 28 calendar days.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· The immigration status of self-employed permit holders with a fixed permit duration is not negatively impacted by applications under the temporary bridging scheme for self-employed entrepreneurs (TOZO).
· For other permit types, salary reductions below the applicable minimum salary level would jeopardize foreign workers' immigration status.
New Zealand
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· New Zealand is reopening government operations.
· Immigration New Zealand reopened all onshore offices with limited staff numbers on April 28, 2020 and increased processing capacity on May 14, 2020. All offshore offices remain closed until further notice.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all non-citizens and non-residents. New Zealand (NZ) citizens (including those from Tokelau, Cook Islands and Niue), permanent residents, residents with valid travel conditions and their immediate family can still enter NZ. Immediate family members must travel with the NZ citizen or resident on the same flight to New Zealand. Australian citizens and permanent residents who normally reside in NZ are also permitted to enter NZ.
· Entry ban for all other travellers. Exceptions are available on a case-by-case basis for humanitarian reasons; health and other essential workers; citizens of Samoa and Tonga for essential travel to New Zealand; and visitor visa holders who is the partner or dependent of a temporary work or student visa holder and who normally lives in New Zealand, and is currently in New Zealand.
· Transit possibilities: o Australian citizens, residents and immediate family (partner or spouse, legal guardian and dependent children under the age of 24) are able to transit New Zealand to Australia. Transiting travellers must remain airside and cannot enter New Zealand. o New Zealand citizens, residents and immediate family (partner, legal guardian and dependent children) who normally live in Australia are able to transit New Zealand to return to Australia. Those seeking to transit must remain airside and not enter New Zealand. Those who enter New Zealand will be required to self-isolate. o New Zealand citizens, permanent residents who normally live in New Zealand and immediate family (partner, legal guardian and dependent children) are able to transit Australia to New Zealand. Transiting travellers must remain airside and cannot enter Australia.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· COVID-19 symptom screening for all travelers upon entry.
· 14-day quarantine at a government facility for those with symptoms of COVID-19. Such travelers must be free of COVID-19 symptoms for 48 hours to leave government quarantine.
· 14-day quarantine at a government facility for those without symptoms of COVID-19.

Concessions
· Travellers with a temporary (work, student, visitor, interim and limited) visa expiring before April 1, 2020 who are unable to leave New Zealand must apply online for a new visa. An interim visa will be issued.
· Travellers with a temporary visa due to expire between April 1 and July 9, 2020 will have their visas extended until late September. Confirmation of extensions will be emailed to all visa holders.
Other Restrictions
· Deferment of fortnightly selection of Expressions of Interest from the Skilled Migrant Category pool and the first selection from Parent Category Expressions of Interest pool, until further notice.
Nigeria
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Some government offices are operating on a minimal service basis to process and file renewal applications for long-term visas and short-term visas.
· Pre-approvals for Temporary Work Permit applications are being accepted by the Nigeria Content and Monitoring Development Board.
· Filing of foreign national lists (monthly returns) has resumed. · Temporary suspension of issuance of all visas-on-arrival until further notice. · Temporary suspension of issuance of all Temporary Work Permits until further notice, until international flights
into Nigeria resume. · Temporary suspension of E-migrant/ Biometrics registrations for foreign nationals until further notice.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all travel, including for nationals and residents, in and out of Nigeria until June 6, 2020.
Concessions
· Foreign nationals whose work permits expired during the national lockdown period (which ended May 4) can submit work permit applications to the authorities and will not be penalized for their permits having expired.
North Macedonia
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all foreign nationals, except long-term residence permit holders.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day self-isolation for all travelers.

Norway

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Norway has started to reopen immigration processing.
· The Service Center for Foreign Workers (SUAs) in Stavanger is open; appointments are available for residence cards for non-EU nationals.
· At all other SUAs, EU nationals can submit registration documents online, but will not receive registration certificates until an in-person visit is completed.
· The SUA in Bergen is accepting appointments for tax filings.
· Immigration offices at local police stations are operating with limited capacity, and some have started scheduling appointments. Foreign nationals can only visit the police station in the municipality in which they reside.
· Applications are being processed for applicants abroad, for applicants under 18 with caregivers in Norway; and spouses/cohabitants of Norwegian nationals. Entry is typically not yet permitted upon approval, unless specifically indicated in the approval letter.
· Applications for family members of initial work permit applicants are not prioritized.

Travel Restrictions

· Norway has started to ease entry restrictions. · The entry ban for non-resident foreign nationals now exempts the following key categories:
o Non-resident foreign nationals with permits approved before April 20, either visa exempt or with an entry visa. Note that consular posts are not yet issuing entry visas.
o EU/European Economic Area nationals and their family members; o Cross-border workers; o Those in transit; and o Certain travelers with serious family reasons for travel. · Other categories of traveler remain banned from entry. · Entry and exit controls at the Schengen border continue.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· 10-day home quarantine for all travelers, except cross-border workers. This measure is expected to apply through September (renewable).
· Anyone who has been in close contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 must quarantine for 10 days or until recovered, whichever is longer. Close contact is defined as more than 15 minutes at less than two meters from a symptomatic or diagnosed individual, for contact up to 48 hours before symptoms or diagnosis occurred.

Concessions

· Application documents can be submitted online, but new permits are currently only granted to foreign nationals staying in Norway and limited categories of applicants abroad. As before, applications can be submitted online.

· Foreign nationals in Norway with an un-activated work permit can still work provided they have scheduled an appointment with the police to activate the permit.

· Those with registered applications for renewal or permanent residence permit who paid their fee on time can

continue to work under the same conditions as before even if they are now not able to meet with the police. They

must try to get a new appointment when it again becomes possible to meet with the police. Check police

department websites for more information.

Oman
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · Oman has reopened government agencies in a limited capacity (50% of staff). · Suspension on the issuance of all in-country and out-of-country visas (except applications submitted on or before March 17 and Residence Cards applications).
Travel Restrictions · Entry ban for all travelers, except Omani citizens. · Suspension of all commercial domestic and international flights for all travellers. · Travel outside Oman is not allowed for nationals of Oman.
Concessions · It is expected that foreign nationals under visitor status whose visas have expired due to the current situation will be allowed to extend them.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary · Layoffs/Furlough: For a furlough, the employer must submit a government notification through the Wages Protection System. If the employee is laid off, the employer must cancel the Work Visa, usually at the port of departure's immigration office. · Reductions in Salary/Hours: Employers must notify government officials if there is a change in base salary by submitting the new salary file through the Wages Protection System.
Pakistan
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · Closure of all government agencies until further notice.
Travel Restrictions · Domestic flights have resumed service. · International flights to/from Pakistan (except airports in Gwadar and Turbat) have resumed.
Concessions · Visas of foreign nationals in Pakistan which expired on or before March 15 were extended until June 30.
Panama
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · Suspension of all processes and services at the National Immigration Service until May 31. · Suspension on new application filings, issuing work permit cards, obtaining biometric registrations, marriage interviews and issuance of decision notifications at the Ministry of Labor until June 15.

Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all incoming and outgoing international flights to Panama until June 22, with limited and specific exceptions such as for humanitarian reasons.
· Entry ban for foreign nationals, except temporary or permanent residents, holders of provisional residence cards and minors who are children or under the legal custody of Panamanian nationals or residents.
Concessions
· Automatic extension until May 31 of the allowed period of stay in Panama for tourists, and of the validity of
residence permits expiring on or after March 13. Permits include non-resident visas (such as for tourism or business visitors), temporary identity cards, provisional residence permits, residence visas, regularization permits and judicial stay permits.
· Foreign nationals with approved residence permit applications who have not yet received their residence identity cards should instead carry a copy of their approval resolution at this time.
· Foreign nationals who filed residence permit applications and have not yet received their temporary identification cards should instead carry a copy of their application which was stamped as received by the National Immigration Service.
· Suspension of deadlines imposed by the National Immigration Service for filing requests for new documents, appeals, and any other action with a specific term until May 31.
· Automatic renewal of work permits expiring on or after March 12, which will be valid until June 15. · Foreign nationals with approved work permit applications who have not yet received their work permit cards
should instead carry a copy of their approval resolution at this time.
· Automatic extension of the validity of identity cards issued to Panamanian nationals and permanent residents (cédulas E) until June 30, 2020, as announced by the Electoral Tribunal.
Papua New Guinea
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Closure of Labour and Immigration Department counters until June 6, during which time new applications will not be accepted. Work Permit renewal applications for the months of March, April and May will be received and processed during this period. Immigration officers are conducting business by phone and email until June 6.
· Suspension of visas-on-arrival for all Chinese passport holders and all incoming travelers from Mainland China (including all Asian ports). These travelers must instead apply for a business visa online and they may be subject to checks or quarantine before entering Papua New Guinea.
· Visa applications filed by Chinese nationals (including all Asian nationalities) prior to the spread of the coronavirus on hold.
Travel Restrictions
· All incoming international flights suspended.
· Entry ban for travelers who have visited Mainland China, South Korea, Iran, European Union, United Kingdom or the United States 14 days prior to entry.
· Until June 6, 2020, entry ban for foreign nationals (except a limited exception for those working under a national emergency order such as telecommunications service providers, some oil and gas industry and drilling, energy and mining workers, who are subject to a 14-day quarantine at a designated hotel).

Quarantines
· 14-day self-isolation for citizens, permanent residents, critical emergency personnel and medical experts and advisors.
Concessions
· The PNG Immigration Department allows foreign nationals who are currently in Papua New Guinea under either short-term visa status or under a Restricted Employment Visa (REV) whose status is set to expire to file a request for a 30-day extension.

Paraguay
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Paraguay has started to reopen governmental offices. · The National Immigration Directorate has resumed operations.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all individuals until further notice, except for the repatriation of nationals approved and coordinated by Paraguayan consulates and the National Immigration Directorate.
· Temporary closure of several border check/entry points. · Suspension of all incoming and outgoing commercial and private flights until further notice.

Peru
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Peru resumed operation of some governmental entities on May 25. · Suspension of biometrics requirement when filing in-country change of status and renewal applications, until
further notice. · Suspension of consular visa applications until further notice. · Starting June 3, the National Superintendence of Immigration will resume processing of previously-filed
applications, and will be implementing online platforms where foreign nationals can file in-country change of status applications, resident visa renewal applications, student work permit applications, appeals, and requests for special travel permits and permits to sign documents, among others. Services and processing may be delayed due to closures during the past months, implementation of the new online systems and reduced staff.
Travel Restrictions
· Closure of air, land and sea borders until June 30, except in the case of repatriation entry carried out by the Peruvian government.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements · 14-day quarantine in a government-designated facility for all travelers entering Peru.

Concessions

· Foreign nationals with approved residence visas who have not yet collected their local identification card and are unable to appear at the National Superintendence of Immigration to retrieve their card due to coronavirus-related restrictions or measures will have six months from their residence visa approval date to collect it.

· Foreign nationals who have already registered their Resident Worker Visa approval with the National Superintendence of Immigration (Migraciones) but have not yet received their original or duplicate Identity Card or Temporary Stay Permit (PTP) Card due to coronavirus-related closures, can download a digital certificate (using their passport number or Peruvian identity number) from Migraciones's website that serves as their identity or PTP card until the original documents are issued.
· Suspension of administrative deadlines and fines for foreign nationals in Peru whose allowed legal permanence expired or will expire on or after March 16. Once the state of emergency in Peru is lifted and governmental entities re-establish operations, such foreign nationals will have a 45-day grace period to regularize their status.
· Employers and employees may use digital signatures for signing addenda for the extension of fixed-term employment contracts expiring during the state of emergency, as announced by the Ministry of Labor. Foreign nationals will need to submit their work contract to the Ministry of Labor once the state of emergency is lifted.
· Once the National Superintendence of Immigration reopens, eligible foreign nationals will be able to apply online for renewal of certain visas such as Resident Worker Visas or Dependent Visas, or for a change status to Special Resident (for Venezuelan nationals holding a temporary permit PTP), according to the entity's website.

Philippines
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE):
o 4-day work week (Monday through Thursday, from 7:00-19:00 (local time)) implemented, covering all government employees at the DOLE central office (Intramuros) as well as regional offices, bureaus and field offices. This also covers cover associated agencies, such as the Philippine Overseas Welfare Administration (POEA), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC)
o DOLE NCR has suspended the processing of AEP issuance and renewal until further notice.
· Department of Justice (DOJ):
o Suspension of work within the National Capital Region (NCR), including all government employees in the DOJ main office in Manila and the city prosecution offices within the NCR.
o Bureau of Immigration (BI) offices are prepared to resume full operations after the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) is lifted from Metro Manila and other areas, after May 31, 2020. Details of the new protocols which are to be followed and observed under a "new normal" environment will be posted on their website soon.
o Skeletal workforce to be maintained on a weekly rotational basis, on a 4-day work week (Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 to 16:00 (local time) for Office of the Secretary, Frontline Services, Technical Service, DOJ Action Center, Legal Staff, National Prosecution Service (NPS) and NPS Docket, Administrative Service, Records Management Section, Cashier, Financial Service, Office of the Secretary Appeals Management Office (SAMO), and the Board of Claims. Other offices to have at least 1 personnel who will be responsible for receiving papers and apprising the head of office of any urgent matter.
· Department of Foreign Affairs:
o Consular Offices (CO) in Metro Manila (NCR-West, NCR-East, NCR-South, NCR-Northeast, NCRCentral, NCR-North), as well as its office in ASEANA Business Park in Parañaque City, temporarily operating with a skeletal workforce and providing consular services only to individuals with urgent needs, such as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and those with medical cases.
· Schedule of CO Operations:
o DFA CO in NCR-Central (Robinson's Galleria) will operate Monday to Fridays, from 8:00 to 14:00 (local time)
o All other COs in Metro Manila will operate Mondays to Fridays, from 11:00 to 17:00 (local time)

o DFA Office of Consular Affairs in ASEANA Business Park will operate Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 to 14:00 (local time)
o There will be no Saturday operations nationwide until further notice.
o Applicants without urgent need for consular service (including those with confirmed passport appointments) are requested to defer their visit to these COs until the community quarantine period ends.
o Passport applicants with confirmed appointments from March 9, 2020, and who were unable to show up during their appointment (due to COVID-19 concerns and the community quarantine) will be accommodated until May 29, 2020, during regular office hours (except on Saturdays)
o Applicants with questions or emergencies may get contact the CO where their appointment was scheduled. Alternatively, the public may email oca.concerns@dfa.gov.ph or call 8651 9400 for questions or inquiries.
· Visa suspensions:
o Temporary Visa Upon Arrival (TV-VUA) program for Mainland Chinese nationals suspended until further notice.
o Entry visa issuance to all foreign nationals to enter the Philippines has been suspended. Visas which have already been issued (but not yet used to enter the Philippines) are deemed cancelled.
o Visa-free entry privileges for all eligible foreign nationals has been suspended.

Travel Restrictions

· Some limited flights are allowed to operate in certain areas under General Community Quarantine.
· Until May 31, 2020, modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in high-risk areas (including National Capital Region, Laguna and Cebu City):
o Domestic Travel: Entry ban into and exit ban from the island of Luzon (including Metro Manila), including land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel. All other non-essential travel by Filipinos out of Luzon remains suspended.
o International Travel:
Inbound travel: Entry ban for foreign nationals and foreign nationals entering the Philippines on the basis of visa waiver or visa-exempt status, special visas (such as the SRRV or SIRV visa), and those holding Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visas (i.e., 13, 9d, 9f, 9g, 47a(2), etc.). The following may be exempt:
· Foreign spouses and children, regardless of nationality, travelling with the Filipino national (if the dependent is not travelling with the Filipino national, the dependent should show proof of marriage or relation);
· Visas issued to foreign government and international organization officials accredited to the Philippines; and
· Foreign crew members.
Outbound travel: Foreign nationals can leave the Philippines at any time for the duration of the MECQ. International travel out of the country is also permitted for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and balikbayan (Filipinos working overseas and former Filipinos who have acquired citizenship from certain countries). Outbound flights may be allowed for these travelers, provided that they can provide proof of an international travel itinerary scheduled within 24 hours. Outbound travel by Filipino nationals to jurisdictions where travel restrictions remain in place is still prohibited. Departing passengers should only be accompanied by not more than one person when travelling to any international port.
o MECQ in Cebu Province: Entry ban for all arriving passengers (including those holding Philippine or foreign passports) at Mactan Cebu International Airport. Travelers can depart Cebu Province. All domestic flights suspended until May 31, 2020 or until further notice.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· A COVID-19 test and health assessment is conducted on all travelers upon entry.
· 14-day home quarantine for returning Filipinos and their accompanying spouse and children, and other travelers exempt from the entry ban, such as holders of 9(e) visas and their dependents.
· 14-day quarantine at a government facility for foreign nationals arriving from a high-risk country or layover (according to World Health Organization standards) and those who are assessed by a health check to have flulike symptoms (holders of 9(e) visas and their dependents who fit these categories may be allowed to stay in a government-approved hotel quarantine facility of their own choice and expense). Those who test negative for COVID-19 can end their quarantine. Those who test positive will be moved to a hospital and monitored, and upon the end of the monitoring must undergo 14-day home quarantine.
· While in any airport, travelers must wear masks or other Personal Protective Equipment (e.g. face shield). Travelers will have their temperature checked upon entering the airport.
· All entering and departing passengers must complete Health Declaration and Passenger Locator forms online.
Concessions
· Foreign nationals whose visas will expire during the duration of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon can file their visa extension application up to 30 days after lifting of the modified enhanced community quarantine.

Poland
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Poland has resumed some immigration processes: o Immigration offices may issue negative decisions in immigration applications; o Applicants may file acceleration requests to a higher authority (ponaglenie); and o Deadlines to submit EU registration applications (within 90 days of the last entry to Poland) or complete immigration formalities (e.g. to submit missing documents in pending immigration processes or to complete formalities such as obligatory notifications) were suspended from March 27-May 22. These deadlines resumed May 23. Applicants should submit registrations or documents by mail before the Immigration Office reopens.
· Closure of all immigration offices in Poland; all scheduled appointments at the immigration office are cancelled. No new appointments will be scheduled and all applications must be sent by mail.
· Closure of many city halls across Poland, which will impact address registration processes. Suspension of personal visits to open City Halls to obtain Address Registration (applications can be submitted online).
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all foreign nationals except the following, who must present documents (whether copies are accepted is unclear) confirming these exceptions when crossing the Polish border: o Spouses of Polish citizens; o Children of Polish citizens or children remaining under the care of Polish citizens; o Holders of a Pole Card; o Holders of permanent or temporary residence rights (excluding dependent visas - dependents require a residence permit to enter); o Work permit exempt travelers (e.g., graduates from Polish higher education, students); o Holders of a work permit, including a seasonal or short-term work permit;

o EU citizens employed in Poland, demonstrated by an employment contract or employer certificate;
o Those employed in transport of persons or goods performing their professional activities and international transport drivers in transit to mandatory rest in another country;
o EU/European Economic Area/Swiss nationals and their family members in transit to their place of residence for no more than 12 hours; and
o Those in other special circumstances.
· Suspension of international commercial flights to Poland until June 6, with limited exceptions. Domestic flights are suspended until further notice.
· Poland reintroduced border controls with Schengen countries until June 12 and also closed some border crossings. Only Polish nationals and foreign nationals listed above will be allowed to enter Poland (e.g. business visitor will be denied entry, unless they have a right to residence in Poland). Check this site for updated information.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for all travelers, except those travelling to Poland for work purposes from an EU/European Economic Area country.
Concessions
· Automatic extension for work permits and Special Permissions that expire during the pandemic until 30 days after the end of the pandemic.
· Automatic extension of visas and residence cards that expire during the pandemic until 30 days after the end of the pandemic. No additional stamp is required to reflect the prolonged validity. Foreign nationals are advised to submit a Residence Permit application by mail during the pandemic.
· Automatic extension of Pole Cards (Karta Polaka) that expire during the pandemic until 3 months after end of the pandemic.
· Automatic extension of Residence Cards of family members of EU citizens that expire during the pandemic until 30 days after the end of the pandemic.
· Schengen visa or residence permit holders of another Schengen Country and visa-exempt foreign nationals in Poland can submit a residence permit application in Poland within 30 days of the end of the pandemic to prolong their legal stay in Poland. Foreign nationals are advised to submit a Residence Permit application by mail during the pandemic.
· Eligible seasonal workers are exempt from work permit requirement until 30 days after end of the pandemic, provided that they already held a proper work authorization document after March 13, 2020.
· Citizens of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia and Moldova can apply for Polish national visas in their countries without a visit to consulate. The exact process of remote submission will be determined by each consulate.
· Immigration offices now have the right to deliver letters to applicants electronically. This manner of delivery is temporarily available until September 30, 2020, and may apply only to applicants who agreed to such delivery. The default option for delivery of official letters is still the traditional paper form.
· Immigration offices may allow applicants to review their case file electronically. The files can be sent to an e-mail address provided to the authority.
· Immigration offices may substitute a mandatory visit to the office with a video-chat or teleconference (e.g. in case of an obligatory interview during dependent residence permit proceedings). Biometric submissions will still have to be done in person.

Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Foreign nationals' immigration status will not be negatively affected by reduced work hours and/or salary, provided the reduction is due to the pandemic.
Portugal
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Portugal is reopening government departments. · The immigration department (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras SEF) has reopened. Immigration authorities
contact the applicant one day in advance to offer an appointment at various locations in Portugal. If the location or appointment date are not suitable, appointments are rescheduled after July 1. · Suspension of NIF (Portuguese Tax Code) until further notice. Although numbers can be applied for online, mandatory supporting documents may require wet signatures and in some cases, in-person signature certification is required. · Suspension of visa filing and processing until June 15.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for foreign nationals, except: o Travelers from Angola, Brazil (Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo only), Canada, Cape Verde, GuineaBissau, Mozambique, São Tomé e Principe, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States and Venezuela, based on reciprocity; o EU/Schengen Area nationals and their family members; o Long-stay visa or residence permit holders; o Those holding a long-stay visa or residence permit issued by an EU country, in transit to their country of residence; o Medical staff, medical researchers and humanitarian aid workers; o Those travelling for urgent professional reasons; among limited other exceptions.
· Flights from Italy and Spain are suspended until June 15. · Land border checks are in place.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine at a government facility (a hotel) for travelers Madeira. · 14-day home quarantine for travelers entering the Azores. · Travelers entering the Azores from locations deemed to be high-risk by the World Health Organization must
present a COVID-19 medical clearance document which was obtained within 72 hours before the departure of their flight. Travelers are also required to contact the health authority of the municipality where they are residing to carry out a new COVID-19 test, after 5 and 13 days of the date of their initial COVID-19 screening. Those who test positive will be subject to 14-day quarantine in a government facility.
Concessions
· Visas or residence permit cards which expired on or after February 24, 2020 are automatically extended until October 30, 2020.

Qatar
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Suspension of processing for new entry visa applications (i.e., work visa, business visa, family visa) for applicants of all nationalities (including in the free zones).
· Suspension of processing of all new and amendment labour quota applications, including those that are in progress.
· Closure of all Qatar Visa Centres until further notice. · Suspension of all in-person immigration application submission.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all foreign nationals, except for Permanent Residence card holders. · Passengers transiting through the airport in Doha can continue their journey, provided that have valid documents
for their next destination. · Nationals of Qatar must use their passport for entry. · Travel outside Qatar is not allowed for nationals of Qatar until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine in a government facility, usually a hotel, for all travelers entering Qatar.
Concessions
· Foreign nationals whose residence permit has been cancelled may, subject to immigration approval, be able to remain in Qatar for up to 90 days as opposed to the usual 30 days.
· Automatic extension until June 21, 2022 for individuals who entered Qatar on a visa-on-arrival. Visas-on-arrival will continue to be extended automatically until travel resumes and a grace period will be implemented once borders reopen. Individuals are, however, encouraged to check the Ministry of Interior's visa service portal to confirm the exact period of the extension.
· Sponsors of business visa holders currently in Qatar can apply for an extension beyond the standard 90-day stay to the Ministry of Interior. Extensions are being granted for 30 days.
Romania
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Romania has reopened its immigration office. The office is accepting and processing all types of permit applications. o As before, applications must be submitted online which renders an appointment slot to submit the hardcopy application. o Significant delays are expected across all permit types due to a backlog of applications and limited access to the authorities due to safety measures.
· Some consular posts are resuming visa application filing and processing. Please check your consular post.

Travel Restrictions
· Commercial incoming and outgoing flights from/to Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States resumed on June 1 depending on air carriers' scheduling.
· Entry ban for foreign nationals, except: o Family members of Romanian nationals; o Resident EU nationals; o Long-stay visa or a similar document holders; o Diplomats; and o Those seeking to enter Romania for to a professional matter if they have a visa, residence document or similar document.
· Most land border remain closed or highly restricted.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for all travelers. If the traveler does not have a residence, quarantine at a government facility.
Concessions
· All work, residence and stay rights valid on or after March 16, 2020 were automatically extended through May 15. Foreign nationals may apply for renewal from May 15-August 12.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· The work/residence status of foreign workers will not be negatively affected if placed on furlough (technical unemployment) or temporary reduction of work hours, provided their employment relationship continues.

Russia

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Russia has started to reopen certain immigration authorities.

o Regional migration offices and most district offices in Moscow and Moscow region have resumed inperson applications. Prior appointment is required for district offices.

o Multifunctional centres remain closed until further notice.

o Applications for work permits and work permit extensions for applicants in Russia have resumed.

· The following services remain suspended:

o Issuance of invitation letters (LOI) and visas, until June 15, except crews of sea and river vessels, aircraft and international trains and members of official delegations. Visa services may resume sooner for applicants abroad.

o Applications for work permits and work permit extensions for applicants abroad, permission to employ foreign workers, corporate employment permits, work visas and work visa extensions.

· Until June 16, address registrations can only be completed through the post office (initial registration, not extension) and extensions are possible through a few local migration offices and multi-functional government centers in Moscow.

· Applicants are advised to still count the period from March 30-June 15 for the purpose of calculating terms (including deadlines for submitting employment notifications and migration registration applications) and to submit

documents within regular deadlines and to send documents by mail where acceptable. Applicants who cannot submit documents under the deadlines should contact their immigration professional.
· From June 16, 2020, the following procedures will resume as usual: o Notifications regarding signing/termination of labour agreements; o Salary notifications for Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS); and

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban for all foreign nationals until further notice. The following categories are exempt (among limited others), but cannot enter by air since air travel is suspended:
o Certain family members of Russian nationals;
o Permanent Residence Permit holders;
o Participants in the state program for relocation and their family members;
o Those installing or providing technical support for foreign equipment (per an application that must be approved by the Federal Security Service); and
o Eligible athletes and similar sports specialists, listed by the Ministry of Sport.
· Transit remains permitted for nationals of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine (including Donetsk and Lugansk regions) and Uzbekistan; and for residents of Abkhazia and Yuzhnaya Osetiya.
· Border closure through land border checkpoints in Russia until further notice, including land borders with Belarus, with limited exceptions, including for the below categories (among others):
o Permanent residents of another country with a valid document confirming such residence status;
o Those permanently residing on the territory of Kaliningradskaya region, travelling by train through Russia to Kaliningradskaya region and back if they can demonstrate permanent registration in Kaliningrad (stamp in their passport);
o Those permanently residing on the territories of Donetsk and Lugansk if they have a Russian passport; and
o Employees of organizations which are involved in building of crucial energy infrastructure on the territories of foreign countries in accordance with international agreements in the sphere of nuclear power.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· Home isolation in St. Petersburg until further notice and Moscow until June 14, 2020. Each region establishes their own home isolation period.
· Aside from home isolation measure, self-isolation for 14 days for all travelers (this will continue to apply after the home isolation measure expires).

Concessions

· The following immigration documents are automatically extended until June 15, 2020 if they expired between March 15-June 15, 2020:

o HQS Work Permit; o Standard Work Permit; o Corporate Work Permit; o Patent; o Visas (all types); o Address Registration temporary and permanent; o Migration cards; o TRP (Temporary Residence Permits); and

o PRP (Permanent Residence Permits).
· Suspension of the counting of time for the following validity periods of the following documents/immigration statuses, if they would expire March 15-June 15, 2020: terms of stay, terms of temporary or permanent residence, 6-month term of stay outside Russia for temporary or permanent residence holders, visa validity periods, migration cards, work permit, corporate employment permits, patents, and terms of migration registration or residence registration (note that this does not cancel the host party's obligation to complete residence registration). The counting of time will resume on June 16, 2020.
· Until June 15, 2020, foreign nationals cannot be deported or expelled and previously-issued immigration documents will not be cancelled.
· Until June 15, 2020, employers can hire visa-required foreign nationals who do not have a work permit provided that the employer holds a corporate employment permit, and visa-exempt foreign nationals who do not have a patent.
· Visa holders can apply for extension of their period of stay for up to 90 days, regardless of the visa type and purpose of stay. Those with expired visas can similarly apply for extension but must prove the grounds for expiry. Visa-exempt nationals can similarly apply for stay up to 90 days.
· Work Permit and Temporary/Permanent Residence Permit holders staying outside Russia for more than six months will not have their permits cancelled.
· Nationals of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan (Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) nationals) are exempt from immigration formalities which cannot be completed due to limited migration services. Nationals of Azerbaijan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan can extend their patent multiple times, where typically this can be extended only once before changing status to a work permit.
· Waiver of administrative sanctions for expired visas, for not having migration cards or for work patent holders applying for renewal in country until June 15.
· Starting June 16, 2020:
o Corporate Work Permits and Work Permits are extended for the number of days they were valid in the period from March 15-June 15, 2020.
o Temporary Residence Permits which expired March 15-June 15 and were deemed valid for 93 business days from the expiry date must be extended after this 93-day period.
o Visas which expired March 15-June 15 and were deemed valid for 93 days from the expiry date must be extended per standard immigration requirements.
o Citizenship applications will be accepted from foreign citizens with expired immigration documents, but within the 93 days grace period after expiration of such documents.
o Employers who hired foreign nationals without a work permit / patent under pandemic-related concessions must secure appropriate work authorization.
o Deportations and readmission decisions will resume.

Rwanda

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Rwanda has started to reopen immigration departments.
· Immigration departments have resumed operations. Work permit and visa applications are being accepted, adjudicated, and approvals are being issued.

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban for foreign nationals until further notice.

· Exit ban for foreign and Rwandan nationals until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine for returning Rwandan nationals and legal residents.
Sao Tome and Principe
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all foreign nationals.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine for returning nationals and residents of Sao Tome and Principe.
Concessions
· All licenses, permits and official documents, will remain valid regardless of when they were set to expire, while restrictions are in place.
Saudi Arabia
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Closure of all government agencies except those related to public health and security or the military sector until further notice.
· The validity of the visit visa for tourism that expired during the period of travel restrictions will be automatically extended by three months (effective date has not been announced).
· Suspension of processing of all categories of visa applications at Saudi consular posts (some consular posts remain open, including the embassies in Australia and Canada).
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all travellers except Saudi nationals until further notice (Saudi nationals seeking to return to Saudi Arabia must register through an online system to request approval to return).
· Suspension of all commercial flights to/from Saudi Arabia until further notice. · Gradual resumption of domestic flights by national carries to/from select destinations in Saudi Arabia effective
May 31. · Closure of land borders for all passenger traffic, including the King Fahad Causeway, linking Bahrain with Saudi
Arabia. · Temporary suspension of travel between all governorates in the country. · Travel is not allowed for nationals of Saudi Arabia and foreign residents in Saudi Arabia travelling to Bahrain,
Egypt, France, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, South Korea, Spain, Syria, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. · Foreign nationals with an exit re-entry, final exit or tourist visa in Saudi Arabia can return to their home country despite the immigration restrictions. The initiative, called Auda, allows foreign nationals to request a pre-approval from the authorities to complete travel procedures and obtain information on their return flights.

Concessions
· Foreign nationals whose residence permit and/or exit-re-entry visa expired while they are outside Saudi Arabia are expected to be able to renew their permits through one of the electronic portals Absher or Muqeem (this option is currently unavailable but expected to be activated shortly).
· Foreign nationals whose visit visa for business has expired or is due to expire may extend the allowable duration of stay in Saudi Arabia for a period similar to the period printed on their initial visa (the extension can be processed electronically through the Muqeem portal).
· The validity of the visit visa for tourism that expired during the period of travel restrictions will be automatically extended by three months (effective date has not been announced).
· Residence permits of foreign nationals (in or outside Saudi Arabia), that expire anytime between March 18, 2020 and June 30, 2020 have been automatically extended by three months.
· The validity of exit re-entry visas has been automatically extended by three months for foreign nationals who are inside Saudi Arabia and whose visas expire anytime between February 25 and May 25, 2020 (This applies only to exit re-entry visas that have not been used due to existing travel restrictions).
· Employers of foreign nationals with a final exit visa and exit re-entry visa can obtain a special permit allowing the workers to depart Saudi Arabia (the request can be submitted once every 14 days and it should include a list of employees who wish to depart).
· Government authorities announced a waiver of fees for the renewal of residence permits.
· Government authorities announced that the submission fee for applications of work visas would be refunded. This measure applies to the unused work visas of foreign nationals issued on or after March 18 who could not enter Saudi Arabia due to the current travel restrictions. Further details of the implementation process are expected to be announced shortly.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Layoffs/Furlough: For any furloughs, both the employer and employee must agree to the change and amend the employment contract which will need to be presented to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). If the employee is laid off, the foreign national must change sponsorship in order to remain in Saudi Arabia. Otherwise, the foreign national will need to pay any financial liabilities and obtain a final exit permit for any dependents under the foreign national's sponsorship. The foreign national may remain in Saudi Arabia for up to 60 days or until the expiry date of the Resident Identification Card -- whichever comes first -- and must return the original card to immigration officials upon departure from Saudi Arabia. The host entity must pay an end-of-service gratuity and settle all pending liabilities and receivables.
· Reductions in Salary/Hours: Both the employer and employee must agree to the change and amend the employment contract, which will need to be presented to the MHRSD.
Senegal
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Suspension of issuance of all visa types until June 30, 2020.
· Out-of-country visa filing and processing suspended for all visa types.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all commercial flights to and from Senegal until June 30, 2020.

Serbia
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Serbia has resumed immigration services. · Consular posts have resumed visa application filing and processing, subject to local pandemic-related restrictions.
Applicants should contact their consular post before visiting. · Work permits can now be filed in person, by mail or by email (if the work permit is signed by e-signature). · Immigration authorities have resumed processing initial and renewal residence permit applications. Applicants
can now schedule residence permit filing appointments. Applicants and accompanying consultants (if applicable) must wear protective masks and gloves, and must submit complete signed applications to minimize time spent at immigration desks. · Police authorities have resumed biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) collection and address registration services.
Travel Restrictions
· Serbia has removed all travel restrictions.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Serbia no longer requires travelers to quarantine.
Concessions
· All work, stay and residence rights valid on or after March 15, including pending applications, were automatically extended until May 6. Applicants should file residence and work permit applications before June 5.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Foreign workers' work/residence status is not directly affected by work hours/salary reductions related to the pandemic. Employers and workers may mutually agree to unpaid leave, reduced hours to a part-time schedule, or forced vacation for up to 45 working days provided that the salary does not decrease below the national minimum monthly wage.
Seychelles
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Seychelles has started to reopen immigration departments. · Most immigration departments have resumed operations. General Occupation Permits are being accepted,
adjudicated, and approvals are being issued.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all foreign nationals until further notice. · Exit ban for all foreign nationals and Seychelles nationals until further notice.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine for returning residents who have visited Mainland China, any country in Europe including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Reunion and Mayotte, or other countries where there have been significant cases of the coronavirus.

Sierra Leone
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · Labour Department is not accepting work and residence permit renewals for foreign nationals not in Sierra Leone.
Travel Restrictions · All borders are closed until further notice. · Suspension of all flights into and out of Sierra Leone for an unspecified period.

Singapore

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Suspension of new visas to those with Chinese and Iranian passports. Previously issued short-term and multiplevisit visas to Chinese and Iranian passport holders are also suspended.
· The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is rejecting new work pass applications for foreign workers from Mainland China until further notice. Renewal applications for existing work pass holders are not affected.
· Pass holders can now make an appointment to visit the Employment Pass Services Centre or MOM Services Centre (Hall C) for card registration starting June 2, 2020.
· Card delivery services will resume starting June 2, 2020. It may take up to 3 weeks for cards to be delivered. Authorised recipients will be notified of the delivery by SMS 2 business days before the delivery date.
· Employers may continue to apply passes for foreign nationals who are in Singapore. For foreign nationals who are overseas, the approvals for any new applications will be very limited.
· Please see adjustment of MOM's services during the `circuit breaker' period for full details.

Travel Restrictions

· Entry/transit ban for all short-term visitors from anywhere in the world (short-term visitors are those without Singapore resident status).

· Effective June 2, 2020, travellers will gradually be allowed to transit through Singapore Changi Airport. Stringent measures will be implemented to make sure that transit passengers remain in designated facilities within the transit area and do not mix with other passengers at the airport.

· Pre-entry approval requirement:

o Work pass holders of all nationalities, their dependents and those with IPAs entering Singapore require pre-entry approval from the MOM. All affected work and related pass holders must secure the pre-entry approval prior to confirming their flights to Singapore. Work and related pass holders who arrive in Singapore without MOM pre-entry approval will have their passes revoked and the company's work pass privileges suspended. Chances of obtaining a pre-entry approval to enter Singapore are very low at this moment.

o Student's Pass holders of all nationalities and those with IPAs entering Singapore require pre-entry approval from the Ministry of Education (MOE). Application should be submitted through the respective educational institution, which will then forward the application to MOE. Student's Pass

holders who arrive in Singapore without MOE's pre-entry approval will be required to fly out of Singapore within 48 hours of arrival at their own cost. Student's Passes may also be revoked by the authorities.
o Holders of Long Term Visit Pass issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and those with IPAs entering Singapore require pre-entry approval from the ICA. Pass holders who arrive in Singapore without the pre-entry approval will be required to fly out of Singapore within 48 hours of arrival at their own cost. The Long Term Visit Pass may also be revoked by the authorities.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities arranged by the authorities for all travellers (including Singaporeans, permanent residents, approved long-term pass holders, approved holders of In Principle Approval Letter (IPA)s. The cost of staying in these facilities will be paid for by the government, with the exception of returnees who had left Singapore from March 27, 2020. These individuals will have to pay the full cost of staying in these facilities, as they had decided to disregard travel advisories to defer all travel abroad.
· All travellers must submit a heath declaration before proceeding with immigration clearance. The health declaration can be submitted online three days prior to arrival via SG Arrival Card e-Service

Concessions

· Until September 2, 2020, companies in the manufacturing and services sectors will be allowed to hire existing Mainland Chinese national Work Permit holders who are in Singapore, with the agreement of their current employer. Currently, Mainland Chinese national Work Permit holders must leave Singapore before they can qualify to work for companies in Singapore. Under this temporary policy, existing Mainland Chinese national Work Permit holders may apply for a new work permit to work for another employer without leaving Singapore. This scheme already exists in the construction, process and marine sectors.
· MOM strongly urges employer to defer bringing foreign employees and their dependents into Singapore. To facilitate this, the validities of all in-principle approvals (IPAs) that are expiring soon will be automatically extended by 2 months.
· Work and related passes expiring April 6-June 5, 2020 will be automatically extended until July 1, 2020, except for passes which cannot be renewed/extended (e.g. Training Employment Pass, Personalized Employment Pass, etc.).

Other Restrictions

· Malaysian employees who are on leave in Singapore who wish to return to Malaysia during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period must complete an exit declaration form for home leave when their employer is cancelling their work passes. Should the affected Malaysian employee wish to return to Singapore to continue their employment, the prevailing entry approval, Stay-Home Notice and other MOM requirements will apply. The Malaysian employee will be required to show the acknowledgement email and attachment, which will be sent to them after the form is completed, to the immigration officer before leaving Singapore. They may need to produce a medical certificate certifying that they are fit to travel (e.g. does not display COVID-19 symptoms) to the Malaysian immigration officer. Otherwise, they may not be able to enter Malaysia.

Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary

· Layoffs/Furlough: Employers must notify the MOM within 7 calendar days if they furlough any employees. If the employee is laid off, the company must cancel the work pass within 7 days of the last day of employment. When the work pass is cancelled, all related dependant and long-term visit passes or Letter of Consent will also be cancelled. All passes must be returned to MOM within 1 week from the date of cancellation. If the employee (and family) are in Singapore, a short-term visit pass valid for 30 days will be issued. Unless stipulated in the employment contract, the company is required to purchase a ticket to send the pass holder home.
· Reductions in Salary/Hours: Employers must notify the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) within 7 calendar days if they implement cost-saving measures, including reduced work hours for their employees. Before doing so, employers must obtain the consent of the affected employees.

Slovakia
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Slovakia has started reopening some government services.
· The following types of registrations/applications are being accepted from 8:00-14:00 (local time) on Monday and Fridays, 8:00 17:00 (local time) on Wednesdays, and 8:00-14:00 (local time) on Fridays: EU registration, residency permit renewal, permanent residence, long-term residence, EEA residence registration for main applicants and family members, residence cards, employment term changes. The Foreign Police online reservation system is open and must be used for all appointments.
· Some government authorities in Bratislava have closed to the public and are only receiving documents submitted by post or the reception desk at the Labour Office.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban on all travelers, except Slovak nationals, Slovak (temporary or permanent) residents and cross-border workers carrying proof from their employer.
· Slovak nationals and Slovak temporary or permanent residents must register at least 72 hours before arrival on the Ministry of Foreign affairs website.
· Land border checks are possible check this site for updated information.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Quarantine in a state facility for all travelers. After approximately 5 days in state quarantine, those who test negative for COVID-19 can continue their quarantine at home for the rest of the 14-day period. Cross-border workers are exempt from the quarantine requirement.
Concessions · EU nationals can report their stay to the Foreign Police via regular mail, and complete formalities once registration at the Foreign Police reopens.
· Residence statuses (temporary residence, permanent or tolerated residence) due to expire during or up to one month after the state of emergency are extended for two months after the state of emergency ends (no date fixed yet).
· All those who legally entered Slovakia are allowed to stay for up to one month after the state of emergency ends (no date fixed yet).
· Foreign nationals who cannot enter Slovakia due to travel restrictions may apply for temporary residence permit renewal or for permanent residence at a consular post, once these reopen, where such applications must normally be filed in country.
· Authorities will accept supporting documents for residence permit (renewal) applications which became older than 90 days during the state of emergency for in-country applicants.
· The obligation to enter Slovakia within 180 days of residence permit approval is suspended for the duration of the state of emergency. Similarly, notification deadlines (e.g., notification of address change, notification of medical check/health insurance) are suspended for the duration of the state of emergency.
· Execution of expulsion orders is suspended for the duration of the state of emergency.
· Financial requirements for self-employed foreign nationals seeking residence permit renewal may be waived if the applicant's business was demonstrably impacted by the pandemic.

Slovenia
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Although applications can still be filed by regular mail, non-urgent application processing is suspended due to limited staff.
Travel Restrictions
· Most non-EU nationals are banned from entering Slovenia for non-essential travel until further notice. Entry remains permitted for EU nationals, UK nationals, nationals of Schengen-associated countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland) and their family members, EU long-term residence permit holders, those holding other types of EU or national residence permits or long-term visas, among others.
· Land border checks are possible check this site for updated information.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements · 7-14-day quarantine for all travelers, or until a negative COVID-19 test result is obtained.
Concessions · The residence right of those legally staying in Slovenia on or before March 13, 2020 and unable to exit due to the pandemic is automatically extended for the duration of exit or renewal restrictions.

South Africa
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Closure of Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) centers across the country. · Suspension of issuance of police clearance certificates until further notice. · The South African High Court is not accepting documents for legalisation purposes. This includes education
certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificates, supporting letters, and medical certificates. These documents are required for various application types. · South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is temporarily not verifying education certificates, required for legalisation of education documents for specific embassy requirements. · Regional Home affairs offices are open and are processing certain applications relevant for South African citizens. · Suspension of visa exemption for nationals of France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. These nationals must apply for a visit visa and submit a health certification.
Travel Restrictions
· Domestic flights for business purposes have resumed service. · Entry ban for foreign nationals until further notice. · Suspension of all flights into South Africa, except for repatriation and evacuation, as well as flights carrying cargo,
and essential goods. · Exit ban for all foreign nationals until further notice. · Exit ban for South African nationals except for South African citizens who need to leave the country for essential
work, study purposes, family reunion, to take up permanent residence, and/or to receive medical attention.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 21-day self-quarantine for South African nationals returning from high-risk countries including Mainland China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Concessions
· Foreign nationals holding temporary residence visas which expired from mid-February and did not apply for an extension, will not be declared illegal or prohibited persons.
· Foreign nationals holding a visa which expired before or during the restrictions implemented on March 26 until April 30, 2020, will not be arrested or detained for holding an expired visa, and foreign nationals who leave the country with an expired visa will not be declared undesirable upon departure.
· Foreign nationals with visas that expired after February 15, 2020 can reapply for their respective visas. They will not be required to apply for authorisation to remain in South Africa. They may also choose to depart South Africa.
· Foreign nationals with visas expired between March 26, 2020 and April 30, 2020, and those who submitted applications prior to March 26, 2020, can continue to work, study or conduct business while awaiting the outcome of their applications.
· Foreign nationals in South Africa from a country affected by COVID-19 outbreak whose temporary residence visa is due to expire or has already expired can re-apply for such a visa, and visas valid until July 31, 2020 will be issued to such applicants. Where an applicant cannot meet one or more of the prescribed requirements, they can apply to the Minster of Home Affairs for a waiver. Change of status applications will not be allowed.
· Foreign nationals in South Africa from a country affected by COVID-19 or who need to transit a country affected by COVID-19 to reach their destination who hold a temporary residence permit which expired since December 1, 2019 and those that will expire up to March 31, 2020 can re-apply for such a visa without submitting a FORM 20 (authorization to remain in country pending an application for status).

Spain

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Closure of immigration offices in Spain. · Government agencies will not follow statutory processing times until further notice.

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban for non-resident foreign nationals entering from outside the European Union/Schengen Area by any means, and for land entry from the European Union/Schengen Area, until June 7. The following are exempt from the ban:
o EU/Schengen Area residents or long-term visa holders in transit to their EU/Schengen residence;
o Cross-border / healthcare / elderly care / transport workers travelling for work purposes;
o Those travelling for imperative family reasons, force majeure or humanitarian reasons, among limited others; and
o Those travelling with an expired work/residence permit, which was automatically extended under a concession.
· The entry bans do not apply to Andorra or Gibraltor.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· 14-day home quarantine for all travelers, except cross-border and transport workers, and healthcare professionals during their work provided they have not been in contact with COVID-19 patients.

Concessions
· Temporary residence/work permits and corresponding residence cards; EU family member residence cards; longterm residence permit cards; among limited others; expiring December 16-June 7 (90 days before and/or during the State of Alarm), are automatically extended for up to six months after the State of Alarm ends. Applicants are advised to file renewal or amendment applications during the extended validity.
· Short-term stay statuses expiring March 14-June 7 (State of Alarm) are automatically extended for three months. · Foreign nationals will not be penalized for prolonged stay abroad where this is due to pandemic-related
restrictions. · The authorities will continue working behind doors on any new or renewal applications but the legal processing
time of 20 business days will not apply and may be exceeded. · Madrid town hall allows online applications, e.g., for EU registration, but may require applicants' personal
presence once restrictions are lifted.
Sri Lanka
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Temporary suspension of visa-on-arrival for foreign nationals arriving in Sri Lanka. · Suspension of visas-on-arrival for Mainland Chinese nationals. · Closure of almost all government agencies except those considered to be essential services.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension on entry of all passengers by air or sea, unless specifically authorized by the Sri Lankan government. · Suspension of all commercial and passenger flights into Sri Lanka until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-28-day quarantine for all travelers who have been in Iran, Italy or South Korea in the 14 days prior to travel. Quarantine could be at home or at a government facility, depending on the circumstances.
Concessions
· The validity period of all visa types for all foreign nationals residing in Sri Lanka has been extended until June 11, 2020. All eligible foreign nationals must pay the relevant visa fee and obtain a visa endorsement in their passport by scheduling an appointment with the Department of Immigration and Emigration on or before June 11, 2020. All visas that expire between March 7 and June 11 are exempt from overstay penalties.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Travel Restrictions
· Airports are closed (including private airports) to incoming international flights.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Based on the St. Kitts and Nevis government website, repatriation is possible and those being repatriated are subject to a 14-day quarantine in a government facility and a COVID-19 test at the end of the quarantine period.

Suriname
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for foreign nationals who have visited Mainland China 14 days prior to entry (except nationals and permanent residents of Suriname).
Sweden
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for non-resident foreign nationals through June 15, 2020 (extendable), except EU/UK/Schengen Area nationals and their family members transiting to their country of residence; and essential workers. Those with newly approved Swedish permits are urged to postpone their travel until after the ban is lifted as they may be denied entry at the discretion of border officials.
· Swedish border police are checking inbound travel across the Swedish-Norwegian, the Swedish-Finnish borders and on the Swedish side of the Öresund Bridge which connects Sweden and Denmark
· Applicants are advised to submit biometric data at a consular post, where these are still open, to ensure their applications progress despite current entry restrictions. This ensures expedited in-country processing once entry restrictions are lifted. Applicants are advised to check availability of consular posts here.
Other Restrictions
· The Swedish Migration Agency has requested that new work permit applications mention work start dates after June 15, and that applicants submit revised start dates after June 15 for pending applications.
· Foreign nationals postponing their arrival by over four months after their work permit start date must recall their work permit and re-apply to ensure eligibility for permanent residence in due time.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Reduced hours of layoffs due to the coronavirus do not affect work permit validity if the reduced income is in line with collective bargaining agreements (also depending on factors such as the applicant's occupation and education level) and is enough for the individual to support themselves. The employer should attach an explanatory letter to work permit renewal or permanent residence applications, and the employer should obtain a union comment before lowering a foreign national's salary to ensure it complies with the collective bargaining agreement.

Switzerland
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Switzerland will start to resume immigration application processing in a phased in approach. Announcements are expected over the coming weeks.
· The following services have reopened:
o The cantons are processing all applications for work and residence permits and cross-border worker permit applications submitted by foreign nationals from an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member state before the introduction of entry restrictions on March 25.
o The cantons are processing online notification requests for short deployments with an employer in Switzerland and for cross-border services provided for a maximum of 90 days per year for workers from EU or EFTA member states filed before March 25.
o New notifications for cross-border services are being processed according to the usual terms of the agreement between Switzerland and EU member states if the service provision is based on a written contract signed before March 25, 2020.
o Applications are being processed for work permits for third-country nationals submitted before March 19 that have not yet been received by the SEM. Further updates on applications that were not received by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) by March 18, which were subsequently returned or withdrawn by authorities are expected to be issued.
· Beginning June 8, the following services will reopen:
o Cantons will begin processing applications from workers from the EU/EFTA member states. This includes all types of applications, including work and residence permits, border commuter permits and work authorizations obtained via the notification procedure.
o Swiss companies will be able to employ highly skilled workers from third countries, if it is in the public interest or they are urgently needed.
o Cantons will begin processing applications for family reunification for all person with a permanent residence permit, residence permit, short-stay permit or who have been temporarily admitted to Switzerland.
o Cantons will begin processing applications again from persons seeking to enter into marriage or a registered partnership with a Swiss national or foreign national who has a residence or permanent residence permit.
· The following services are suspended through June 15, 2020:

o New work and residence permit applications for non-EEA nationals, except for specialists in key occupations in the healthcare sector, which are still being processed;
o Work and residence permit applications for EEA nationals (for local hires, assignees, service providers and trainees), except for specialists in key occupations in the healthcare sector, which are still being processed;
o Swiss/Schengen visa stamping for work and residence permit applications approved by March 18, 2020 for non-EEA nationals. This will prevent these individuals from travelling to Switzerland.
Travel Restrictions
· Switzerland is easing entry restrictions. o Travel is permitted between Switzerland, Austria and Germany for nationals and residents of these countries who: are unmarried couples in long-term cross-border relationships; are traveling for family visits or to attend important family events; own property for personal use; or tend allotments, maintain agricultural or hunting land or woodland, or care for animals. o Other travel restrictions between Switzerland, Austria, France and Germany are expected to be lifted from June 15. o All travel restrictions across the Schengen area, including the restoration of free movement, are expected to be lifted no later than July 6. o Effective June 15, family reunification for all travelers with a permanent residence permit, residence permit a short stay permit or those who have been temporarily admitted to Switzerland, under the usual conditions.
o Effective June 15, students will be allowed to enter Switzerland to begin, continue or finish their studies, regardless of nationality, for all education and training lasting 90 days or more.
· Entry ban for all other travelers until further notice, except: o travelers traveling from Liechtenstein; o Swiss nationals; o Swiss residence permit holders; o those subject to cross-border worker exemptions; o EU/EFTA national employees who signed a Swiss employment contract before March 25, 2020 who can show a valid and signed lease agreement (valid as of April 1, 2020 at the latest); and o travelers in a situation of absolute necessity.
· Schengen border controls at all internal borders are re-introduced.
· Air travel, where permitted under the entry ban (e.g., travellers in absolute necessity), is restricted to the airports of Zurich, Geneva or Basel until June 15.
Concessions
· Work and residence permit applications for non-EEA nationals filed and pending with the SEM by March 18, 2020 are expected to be processed as usual. Applications filed by March 18, 2020 but not transferred to SEM until after March 18, 2020, or returned/required to be withdrawn by cantons per COVID-19 procedures, are now being processed. Further information is expected on re-filing procedures, which are anticipated to be directed by each canton.
· Travelers can collect visas approved up to and including March 18, 2020 at a Swiss consular post, provided the consular post is still operating and the residence country allows exit.

· Swiss/Schengen visa holders unable to travel to Switzerland can obtain a new visa free of charge once travel restrictions are lifted.
· Visitors and holders of expired visas or permits will not be sanctioned as long as the restrictions are in force. Those who seek to leave Switzerland while the restrictions are in place but whose permit or visa is expired must visit the immigration authority and obtain a D visa, or other documents as may be required, in order not be fined upon their exit.
For more detailed information on Switzerland, please see Fragomen's FAQs
Taiwan
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Taiwan government and immigration authorities are open. · Suspension on entry permit issuance for Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR residents. Those who entered prior to
this date must self-isolate for 14 days in Taiwan. · Suspension of issuance of entry visas by the overseas Taipei Economic and Cultural Office for foreign nationals
who have visited or resided in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR in the 14 days prior to February 7, 2020.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all foreign nationals except: foreign nationals holding valid Alien Resident Certificates; Alien Permanent Resident Certificates; Taiwan Resident Certificate of a Taiwanese spouse or a Taiwanese national without a valid Taiwan household; or individuals that can produce documents showing that their entry has been granted by the overseas Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (such as for a diplomatic or business purpose).
· Suspension of e-gate entrance for all travelers without valid household registration in Taiwan, which includes foreign nationals as well as TRC holders from Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for all travelers (including foreign nationals and Taiwanese).
Concessions
· Travelers who entered Taiwan on or before March 21, 2020 on a visitor visa, a landing visa, or through a visawaiver program and who have not overstayed their legal stay period will be granted an automatic 30-day extension, plus another 30-day extension of that period. The total period of stay cannot exceed 180 days. These conditions are subject to change.
· Foreign nationals who have overstayed their legal stay period and turn themselves in from March 20 to June 30 will not be detained or receive an entry ban and will be subject to reduced fines.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Layoffs/Furlough: For any furloughs, please consult your Fragomen professional, as minimum salary levels must be maintained. If the employee is laid off, the employer must cancel the work permit with the Ministry of Labor (MOL), and the foreign national should depart from Taiwan within 15 days of issuance of the cancellation notification by the MOL.
· Reductions in Salary/Hours: Even if work hours are reduced, salary thresholds must be maintained, at a minimum of NTD 47,971 per month. Notification to the immigration authorities is not required, however.

Tanzania
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine for all travelers entering Tanzania.
Concessions
· Automatic three-month extension of visas for foreign nationals who are unable to travel into Tanzania while flight suspensions are in place.
· One-month extension of visas for foreign nationals who are unable to exit Tanzania while flight suspensions are in place. Foreign nationals must report to the nearest immigration office to apply.
· Automatic one-month extension of expired residence permits, visitors' pass, exemption certificates and dependent passes.
Thailand
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Government offices are operating with a reduced workforce and subject to other limitations. However, the Immigration Bureau has requested that nationals from the restricted countries/regions not file visa applications within 14 days of arrival (except if their visa will expire).
· Work Authorization Suspensions: o Board of Investments (BOI) The BOI is requesting foreign nationals who have been granted work authorization by the BOI to wait for at least 14 days before making an appointment to extend their visa. Pre-Position and Pre-Visa Approval applications: Lodgment of Pre-Position Approval applications has been suspended until further notice. New Work Permit applications: All foreign nationals must wait for at least 14 days from the date of arrival before they can make an online work permit application with the BOI.
· Justification: BOI does not want foreign nationals appearing in person to obtain a work permit until the 14-day waiting period is over. The concern from the BOI is that the online application could be approved before the 14-day period is over (if filed upon entry).
· Impact: Applicants will need to wait at least 3-4 weeks after entering Thailand before they can receive their Digital Work Permit and Long-term Visa. The application can only be filed on Day 15 and will take approximately 1-2 weeks to process.
Renewal applications: All foreign nationals with existing work permits (currently in Thailand) must also wait for 14 days from their last date of return to Thailand before they can file renewal applications with the BOI online system.
· Impact: If the work permit and visa are expiring soon, and the 14-day wait is too long, the foreign national must request special permission from the BOI to be exempted for the 14-day waiting period
o Non-BOI (both One Stop Service Center (OSSC) and non-OSSC) Pre-Work Permit Approval (PWPA) applications: Until further notice, the Employment Department (OSSC/non-OSSC) is not accepting PWPA applications. PWPA applications which have already been filed will not be processed until further notice.

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New Work Permit applications (Employment Department): The Employment Department will accept applications if they are made by a POA-holding authorized representative of the foreign national.
Upon receipt of the work permit booklet, the authorized representative can bring the booklet to the foreign national for signature (i.e., at home) while the individual remains in selfquarantine.
o Employment Department at OSSC -
Under the current situation, the government is encouraging officers to work from home. Therefore, the number of Labor officers working at the OSSC will be reduced.
The Employment Department at the OSSC will only accept 50 applications per day (on a first come first served basis). This may result in delays in filings.
Due to the various travel restrictions now in place and the fact that the Employment Department is not accepting PWPA applications at this time, companies are advised to check when their employee is likely to be able to travel to Thailand.
Travel Restrictions
· Until June 30, 2020, all international passenger flights into Thailand are banned, except state/military aircraft; emergency landings; technical landings (without disembarkation); humanitarian aid, medical and relief flights; repatriation flights; and cargo flights. Individuals entering under such exceptions will be subject to the relevant quarantine requirements.
· Under a declared state of emergency until June 30, 2020, entry ban for all travel via any land, sea, and air border checkpoints. Exceptions only for goods transportation, diplomatic missions, foreign nationals who hold work permits in Thailand (or who have already been granted permission from a Thai government agency to work in the country), Thai citizens with Embassy permits and health certificates, and any other journeys exempted by the Prime Minister.
· Until September 30, 2020, suspension of the 15-day visa-on-arrival (VOA) facility, impacting the following nationalities: Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Taiwan, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu. Previously VOA-eligible nationals must now apply for an entry visa from the Thai consular post in their country of residence.
· Until September 30, 2020, suspension of the 30-day visa exemption for nationals of South Korea, Italy and Hong Kong SAR.
· Commuting between provinces within Thailand is discouraged. People travelling to other provinces may be required to undergo health checks and provide their personal details for possible quarantine.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· An applicant for an entry visa to Thailand may be required to submit a health certificate to a Thai consular post (see Concessions).
· Upon arrival, travellers must undergo a health screening (during which officials observe for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and take a thermal temperature reading) and present a completed T8 ("Airport of Thailand Application") Form to the communicable disease control official.

· All travellers must present a health certificate, certifying that they pose no risk of being infected by COVID-19 (issued no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel).
· Foreign nationals who may be permitted to enter Thailand on an exceptional basis will be subject to a 14-day quarantine. This will likely have to be completed at a government-designated Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) site, at their own expense. (The ASQ are hotels in various locations in Thailand, which have been approved for the quarantine requirements.)
· Travellers who are subject to quarantine should be referred to the Ministry of Public Health for further information and details.

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· Returning Thai nationals must have a "Fit to Fly" health certificate and a certifying letter issued by the Thai Embassy in the jurisdiction where they are staying. If the Thai passenger is unable to present these documents, then the airline will not issue a boarding pass (and the boarding will be denied).
Note that the various Thai consular posts have been interpreting the new rules and restrictions inconsistently.Therefore, there remains some confusion between the official policy in Thailand and interpretations by consular posts.

Concessions

· Due to the ongoing travel disruptions across the world, the Ministry of Interior has announced the following concessions (based on the Notification from the Ministry of Interior, dated April 7, 2020 and April 24, 2020):

o The Immigration Bureau is allowing Permanent Residents (PR) who hold Departure endorsements and re-entry permits that expire on or after March 26, 2020 and who have the intention to return to Thailand to continue to use their existing Departure endorsement and re-entry permit to maintain their PR status. However, when the COVID-19 situation improves, PR holders are reminded to return to Thailand within such permission period (which will be announced by the Immigration Bureau at a later stage). Failure to do so could jeopardize their PR status.

o For foreign nationals who have entered Thailand on the basis of a Non-Immigrant Visa, Visa-onArrival, or Visa Exemption status whose permission to stay will expire on or after March 26, 2020, the following rules apply:

Such foreign nationals are eligible to obtain an automatic visa extension, until July 31, 2020. An application for a visa extension is not required.

The period for filing of the 90-day report has been extended. For foreign nationals whose 90day reports are due on or after March 26, 2020 will be eligible to extend the period of filing until July 31. 2020 (without penalty).

These concessions will remain until the Immigration Bureau announces a return to the preexisting rules.

For foreign nationals who have entered Thailand on a Temporary Border Pass, the Immigration Bureau may consider an extension of their stay while the border remains closed. The foreign national must depart from Thailand within 7 days after the border is reopened.

In an effort to control the number of people visiting the Revenue Department (RD), the RD has announced that companies can now obtain their certified tax documents online if they filed their tax returns online. Employers interested in using the online service will need to provide their Fragomen professional their username and password to access the RD online filing if they need assistance obtaining a certification of their tax documents online.

· On May 28, 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that foreign nationals who are in urgent need of returning to Thailand and who hold valid work permits or have already been granted permission to work in Thailand by a government agency can apply to enter the country. For those eligible foreign nationals, the process to apply for permission to enter would be as follows:

o The foreign nationals must contact a Thai Embassy/Consulate at least 10 days prior to their scheduled departure date and apply for a "Certificate of Entry into the Kingdom of Thailand". The following documents will be required:

o Work permit booklet or copy of work permit; or letter of work permission from an authorized government agency in Thailand

o Valid health insurance policy covering medical expenses, including COVID-19, of at least USD 100,000

o The Thai Embassy/Consulate will forward the foreign national's application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consideration and approval. When approved, the Thai Consulate will be instructed to issue the foreign national the "Certificate of Entry into the Kingdom of Thailand."

o The foreign national should then be able to travel to Thailand by carrying the following documents:

Certificate of Entry into the Kingdom of Thailand

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Completed and signed "Declaration Form" obtained from the Thai Embassy or Consulate
"Fit to Fly" health certificate, issued within 72 hours prior to departure
Copy of health insurance policy covering medical expenses, including COVID-19, of at least USD 100,000
Upon arrival in Thailand, the foreign national must adhere to the relevant quarantine requirements and comply with all health regulations, as applicable.
NOTE: The above does not apply to other types of Thai visa holders (including dependent visas, student visas, retirement visas, or permanent residents, or Urgent Work Permit applicants). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also cautioned that only those in urgent need to enter Thailand may submit an application.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Layoffs/Furlough: From a Thai immigration perspective, a furlough without pay may be possible; however, this is not advisable since if the furlough is left open-ended, the employee may not meet the salary requirement when it is calculated on a monthly basis (which could impact a future renewal application). If a work permit holder is laid off, the employer must cancel the Work Permit and long-stay Visa and also notify the Registrar of the Employment Department within 15 calendar days of the end of employment. Upon visa cancellation, the foreign national must exit Thailand by midnight of the last working day reported (for non-BOI companies). A temporary 7-day visa extension can also be requested to stay beyond this date.
· Reductions in Salary/Hours: The employer must ensure that the foreign national still meets the minimum monthly salary as set by the Immigration Bureau.
Note that the various Thai consular posts have been interpreting the new rules and restrictions inconsistently. Therefore, there remains some confusion between the official policy in Thailand and interpretations by consular posts.

Trinidad and Tobago
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities · The Work Permit Secretariat and the Immigration Department are expected to reopen on June 8.
Travel Restrictions · Entry ban until further notice for all individuals, with specific exceptions for citizens who have been granted authorization by the Minister of National Security. · Closure of all airports until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements · 14-day quarantine (or until two negative coronavirus test results) in a government facility for all citizens entering Trinidad and Tobago.
Concessions · Automatic extension of all visas and work permits of all foreign nationals in Trinidad and Tobago until June 22.

Tunisia

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Tunisia has started to reopen government agencies. · Select government agencies have resumed work in a limited capacity.

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· Labour authorities have initiated the processing of new applications. · Police stations are not processing new immigration applications but continue to process those that have already
been filed.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for all travelers, except Tunisian nationals and permanent residents of Tunisia, who must obtain prior entry approval from the civil aviation authority in Tunisia.
· Suspension of all passenger flights, except repatriation flights for Tunisian nationals and permanent residents of Tunisia.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine for Tunisian nationals and permanent residents of Tunisia.

Turkey

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Turkey is reopening government authorities.
· The Istanbul Migration Directorate is partially resuming processing. Residence permit filing appointments initially scheduled between March-May were rescheduled to two months later. Applicants must now file these applications by regular mail within specific deadlines, instead of attending in-person appointments.
· Other Migration Directorates have limited residence permit adjudication, Temporary Protection Status and other immigration applications.
· The Ministry of Labor is closed to the public until further notice. However, work permit renewal applications and work permit applications for in-country processing can continue to be filed online.
· The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suspended in-person applications. As a result, initial work visa and Visa for Assembly and Maintenance Service (AMS Visa) applications cannot be filed until further notice.
· Many consular posts are closed to in-person visa services, but typically allow mail or courier application filing. Check each consular post prior to submitting an application.

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban and transit ban for travelers who visited or transited through the following countries in the 14 days prior to entry, except Turkish nationals and work and residence permit holders: Algeria, Angola, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Mainland China, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, Niger, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Uzbekistan.

· Entry ban for Greek and Bulgarian nationals, and travelers who were in Greece or Bulgaria within the 14 days prior to entry.

· Suspension through June 10 of most international commercial flights into Turkey, and through June 4 of all domestic flights. Turkish Airlines plans to restart international flights in June, with a gradual increase of destinations monthly in July and August.

· Closure of land borders with Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Iraq and Iran, with the exception of Turkish nationals or work and residence permit holders who will be quarantined for 14 days upon entry.

· Those who wish to travel domestically must obtain permission from the Travel Permit Council of Turkey.

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· Turkish nationals are barred from traveling to Austria, Belgium, Mainland China, Denmark, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain or Sweden.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine for Turkish nationals and Turkish work or residence permit holders. Quarantine is either at home or at a government facility; criteria for the quarantine location are not published.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· Turkey has implemented several employment regulatory changes in response to COVID-19. Changes include a program for partial salary and social security premium coverage by the Turkish Employment Agency, relaxed rules on use of overtime after return to work, and relaxed rules on forced use of accumulated vacation time. For further details on applicability to your business, please contact your employment attorney.
Uganda
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Temporary suspension of all immigration services including visa application filing, processing and issuance until further notice.
Travel Restrictions
· Temporary suspension of all travel into and out of Uganda until June 9, 2020.
Concessions
· Automatic extension of all visa types for foreign nationals unable to exit Uganda between March 18, 2020 and June 9, 2020.
Ukraine
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Suspension of tax ID, residence registration services (initial, renewal, de-registration) and entry visa issuance
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for non-resident foreign nationals until further notice. Ukrainian nationals cannot enter by air, but can enter through other border checkpoints, i.e., road (private vehicles only) and water ways.
· Exit ban for Ukrainian citizens for tourism purposes by air until further notice.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day quarantine in government institutions for all travelers.
Concessions
· Those who cannot leave Ukraine or cannot access the State Migration Service to extend their stay or exchange their temporary/permanent residence permit due to quarantine will not face administrative liability associated with these violations.

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United Arab Emirates

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· The United Arab Emirates is reopening some government offices in a limited capacity.
· The following services are open: Amer Service Centres (for immigration applications), Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship Centres (for Emirates Identity Card applications), medical centres as well as Tasheel, Tadbeer and Tawjeeh service centres (for labour-related applications).
· Most government service offices at the UAE free zones remain closed, except those in DHA, DMCC and DWC, which have resumed work in a limited capacity. Online applications continue to be processed (although with some limitations in select free zones).
· All Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation offices are closed until further notice.
· Suspension of processing of all immigration applications for foreign nationals who are outside of the UAE (the suspension includes all pending applications).
· Suspension of all in-person applications, including the amendment of personal details and the ability to obtain and/or amend Unified Identity Numbers.
· Online processing of in-country applications continues, with some limitations (e.g., due to issues with the processing of payments).
· Endorsement of residence visa stickers now in effect for new visas and visa renewals in most jurisdictions that have resumed operations.

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban for all travellers except UAE nationals, diplomats and foreign nationals with a special approval issued by the UAE authorities (the latter applies mostly to UAE residence permit holders who received a unique approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship to return to the UAE, however there have been instances of entry approval issued to non-residents).
· Suspension of passenger flights (including transit flights) to and from all airports in the UAE, except special repatriation flights operated by the UAE carriers to / from select destinations (including Amsterdam, Chicago, Frankfurt, London, Manila, New York and Tokyo), effective May 9, 2020. Individuals must have a unique approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship before they can book a flight.
· UAE nationals cannot travel outside the United Arab Emirates.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· Thermal screening and COVID-19 test upon arrival for repatriated travelers. · 14-day self-quarantine and a follow-up COVID-19 test for repatriated travelers.

Concessions

· Temporary waiver of medical examination requirement for renewal of residence permits for all employees in the private sector, including domestic workers.

· The validity of residence permits with an expiry date between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 has been automatically extended until December 31, 2020.

· The validity of residence permits issued for foreign nationals in the Emirate of Dubai, regardless of the expiry date, has been automatically extended by one month (in addition to the extension reported above).

· The validity of mission work permits has been automatically extended until December 31, 2020.

· Foreign nationals whose residence permit expired or was cancelled before March 1, 2020 are exempt from overstay fines if they depart the UAE within three months starting from May 18, 2020 (it is not clear how the 3-

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month period will be calculated). Those who remain and change their immigration status in the UAE will not be exempt from fines.
· Foreign nationals whose employment residence permit was cancelled after March 1, 2020 will be subject to overstay fines when they depart the UAE or change their immigration status in-country after the expiry of the 30day grace period post visa cancellation. However, those who decide to remain in the UAE during their 30-day grace period post visa cancellation but do not have a new employment offer, may change their immigration status and obtain a visit visa for tourism to avoid fines.
· Employers in Abu Dhabi that are unable to meet their pension obligations may be exempt from the payment of pensions for up to three months, subject to the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund's approval.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) announced that employers affected by current restrictions, including the suspension of recruitment of workers from overseas, can use a new Virtual Labour Market platform to recruit individuals from other companies that have a surplus of foreign staff. Additionally, the MOHRE outlined certain rules to which employers must adhere should they need to hire new workers or amend select conditions of employment.
· Employers in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) can reduce working hours and salaries, impose remote work requirements, and introduce mandatory leave (including leave without pay) for some or all of their workers during the emergency period (March 1, 2020 until July 31, 2020 unless announced otherwise); they can also defer the cancellation of sponsorship and the employment residence permit during the emergency period, provided that they continue to provide basic medical insurance and, for employers in retail and hospitality sectors (and where required), accommodation for their workers until the visa is cancelled.
United Kingdom
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· The following Certain Visa Application Centres (VACs) in the United Kingdom reopened on June 1: Birmingham, Birmingham Premium Lounge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Exeter, Leeds, London Mark Lane Premium Lounge, London Victoria, Manchester Fountain Street Enhanced Service Point, Manchester Premium Lounge, Sheffield and Southampton. Individuals are currently not able to book an appointment but those whose appointments were previously cancelled due to the pandemic will be contacted. Individuals can still submit the online application form. Where an individual is intending to remain in the United Kingdom long term, they must still submit their online application before the expiry of their current visa.
· The following VACs abroad reopened on June 1: Bangkok, Beijing, Berlin, Brisbane, Canberra, Chongqing, Dusseldorf, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kiev, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, Minsk, Munich, Perth, Shanghai, Suva, Sydney, Taipei. Once there is assurance that services can be operated safely and effectively, more VACs will be considered for re-opening. VACs will not be offering priority or super priority services.
· For EU Settlement applications, identity documents can be submitted by post. European Economic Area (EEA) nationals with a biometric passport or national ID card or non-EEA nationals with a biometric residence card can continue to submit their identity check using the 'EU Exit: ID Document Check' app. The identity check is required to proceed with the remainder of the online application.
· Suspension of visits to the Overseas Visitors Records Office to register under the Police Registration Scheme. Those returning to their home country before completing registration should not face re-entry issues.
· Closure of Life in the UK test centers until further notice. Appointments will be rescheduled automatically once test centers reopen.
· Some English Testing centres will also resume services. Individuals should check the English Language Testing System (IELTS)'s website, the Pearson Test of English website or the LanguageCert website for specific updates.

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Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· Effective June 8, 2020, international arrivals to the United Kingdom will be subject to self-isolation for 14 days in their own accommodation, or if they cannot provide proof of this, government-provided accommodation. Such travelers will also be required to provide contact information and UK accommodation information, with limited exemptions for continuity of supply lines and for work relating to national security or critical infrastructure and work needed to meet international obligations. These new rules will not affect arrivals from the Common Travel Area (Republic of Ireland and the Channel Islands). There is no stated intention to require international travellers to provide health certificates or to conduct screening checks at the border.
Concessions
· Foreign nationals with recently expired UK 30-day entry visas, or entry visas about to expire, can apply for a free replacement visa through 2020 by contacting the Coronavirus Immigration Help Center. Applicants will be contacted when visa application centres reopen to arrange for a replacement visa to be endorsed in their passport.
· Foreign nationals currently in the United Kingdom who have applied for a Tier 2 or 5 visa and are currently waiting for a decision can work before their visa application has been decided if they a) have been assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS); b) submitted the application before their current visa expired and their employer can show evidence of this; and c) the job they start is the same as the one listed on the CoS. Employers will not be able to report information to the UK government using the usual sponsor management system as the visa applications will not have been approved. Instead, employers must ensure that they record and maintain all relevant information on their own internal human resource systems. If a foreign worker's application is eventually rejected, the employer must terminate their employment.
· Suspension of penalties for failure to attend an online visa appointment, inability to book a visa appointment, or failure to collect biometric residence permits (BRP). Read more here.
· Foreign nationals holding visas that expire between January 24, 2020 and July 31, 2020 and who are currently unable to return to their home country due to travel restriction or self-isolation will be able to extend their visas until July 31, 2020.
· Foreign nationals can apply online to switch to a long-term visa until July 31, 2020, even where this would normally require exit and application from abroad. The visas of those who have already applied for an extension until May 31 under the previous deadline will be automatically extended.
· Employers in the United Kingdom can complete a right to work check through video call without having the employee's original documentation, as part of relaxed right to work check requirements implemented while the United Kingdom's COVID-19 measures are in place.
· Health and care workers (including doctors, midwives, nurses, paramedics, radiographers, social workers and pharmacists) with visas due to expire before October 1, 2020 will receive an automatic one-year extension. This applies to both NHS and independent workers and their family members.
· For information on other concessions and the government coronavirus hotline, access this UK government website.
Pandemic-specific Provisions for Furloughs and/or Reduction in Hours/Salary
· As part of arrangements to avoid redundancies, the UK government has confirmed that employers of Tier 2 or Tier 5 workers may reduce their salaries to the amounts payable under the provisions of the economic stimulus package, i.e. 80% of the normal salary, or GBP 2,500 per month, whichever is lower. This includes where the resulting salary is below the normal minimum for the occupation or visa category. Reductions must be part of a company-wide policy to avoid redundancies and in which all workers are treated the same, and the pay of sponsored workers must return to at least previous levels once these arrangements have ended.
For more information on the United Kingdom, see Fragomen's guide.

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United States
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Starting June 4, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will re-open some of its local offices and Application Support Centers for in-person interviews and appointments. Office reopening dates will vary by location, so applicants must check the USCIS website for the latest information on a particular local USCIS office. Foreign nationals with green card interviews, naturalization interviews/ceremonies or biometrics appointments that were cancelled during the temporary closure can expect the appointments to be automatically rescheduled after their local office reopens. Click to read more.
· As of June 1, USCIS resumed its premium processing service for I-129 and I-140 petitions in four phases over the next month, beginning with accepting eligible I-140 petitions on June 1. Premium processing for H-1B capsubject petitions will not begin until the last phase of the timeline, expected to begin on June 22. Phase-in dates are subject to change as the agency resumes service. Click to read more.
· Cancellation of routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments at U.S. consulates worldwide, effective March 20. Those with upcoming U.S. visa appointments should continue to check the relevant consular website for updates on consular services. In limited circumstances, those with an urgent matter who may need to travel immediately may request an emergency appointment.
Travel Restrictions
· The entry of immigrants to the United States is suspended until June 23, 2020 if 1) they are outside the United States on the effective date of the proclamation; 2) they do not have a valid immigrant visa as of the effective date of the proclamation; and 3) they do not have an official travel document other than a visa (e.g. a transportation letter, boarding foil, or advance parole) that is valid as of the effective date of the proclamation or issued thereafter that permits the individual to travel to the United States and seek entry or admission. Some groups are exempt from the proclamation. Click to read more.
· An order from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary exempts certain foreign professional athletes who compete in professional sporting events organized by certain leagues, including their essential staff and their dependents, from proclamations barring their entry into the U.S.
· Effective May 26, foreign nationals who have been physically present in Brazil within 14 days before seeking admission to the United States will be denied entry, unless their flight departed prior to this time. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, their spouses and children under 21, and certain other family members are not subject to the travel restrictions, among other exemptions. Click to read more.
· Foreign nationals who have been physically present in the United Kingdom or Ireland within 14 days before seeking admission to the United States will be denied entry. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, their spouses and children under 21, and certain other family members are not subject to the travel restrictions, among other exemptions. Click to read more.
· Foreign nationals will be barred from entering the United States if they have been physically present in one of the 26 countries of the Schengen Area within 14 days before their attempted entry. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, their spouses and children under 21, and certain other family members are not subject to the travel restrictions, among other exemptions. The travel restrictions will remain in effect until terminated by President Trump. Click to read more.
· Entry ban for foreign nationals who have visited China or Iran within 14 days of seeking admission, except lawful permanent residents, immediate family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and certain others.
· Only essential travel is permitted across the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada land borders (and ferry travel) through at least June 22. The agency defines non-essential travel as travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, business travelers, and those with valid U.S. travel documents are exempt from the border restrictions. However, it is possible business travelers could face additional scrutiny at the border. The policy may be reviewed for possible extension in late June if the COVID emergency remains ongoing. Click to read more.

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· All U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and exempt foreign nationals returning to the United States after visiting a Schengen Area country, China or Iran within 14 days of entry into the United States will be required to travel through one of the following airports: Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS), Massachusetts; Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois; Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas; Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Michigan; Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia; John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York; Los Angeles International Airport, (LAX), California; Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida; Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey; San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California; Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington or Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia. Click to read more.

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· All U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and exempt foreign nationals traveling to the United States after visiting a Schengen Area country, the UK, Ireland, China or Iran within 14 days of entry to the United States are advised to self-quarantine.
· Mandatory quarantine for U.S. citizens who have visited China's Hubei Province within 14 days before re-entry. Advanced screenings for citizens returning from other parts of Mainland China, as well as self-imposed quarantine. U.S. permanent residents, immediate family of U.S. citizens and permanent residents and others exempted from the entry ban may be subject to quarantine. Click to read more.

Concessions

· The State Department's Office of Private Sector Exchange will provide a one-time extension beyond the maximum duration for certain interns and trainees to make up for the time missed on their Training/Internship Placement Plan to complete their program. Sponsors must submit an extension justification for each exchange visitor by August 15, 2020.
· The DHS announced an extension of the flexibilities in rules related to Form I-9 compliance that were granted earlier this year due to COVID-19 until June 18, 2020. Specifically, DHS deferred the physical presence requirement associated with Form I-9 verification for employees working remotely due to the COVID-19 emergency; the accommodation permits remote verification in the interim. Employers who were served notices of inspection (NOIs) by Immigration and Customs Enforcement during March 2020 and had not already responded were granted an automatic extension for 60 days from the effective date and will now be granted an additional 30 days extension. Click to read more.
· A temporary rule allows H-2B employers to employ an H-2B nonimmigrant physically present in the U.S. while the employer's H-2B petition is pending and allows H-2B workers essential to the U.S. food supply chain to stay beyond the three-year maximum period of stay.
· Certain H-1B foreign medical graduates who have received a waiver of the J-1 two-year foreign residence requirement will not be required to fulfill the full-time work requirement and can provide telehealth services during the pandemic.
· For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program will consider students working in their Optional Practical Training (OPT) jobs for fewer than 20 hours a week as engaged in OPT.
· DHS will allow identity documents found in List B set to expire on or after March 1, 2020, and not otherwise extended by the issuing authority, to be treated as if the employee presented a valid receipt for an acceptable document for Form I-9 purposes. Foreign nationals will need to present an unexpired List A or B document within 90 days after the DHS ends the interim policy.
· Extension of deadline by 60 days for certain requests for evidence (RFEs), notice of intent to deny (NOIDs), Notices of Intent to Revoke (NOIR), Notices of Intent to Terminate (NOIT) regional investment centers, and certain filing date requirements for Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion dated between March 1 and July 1, 2020. If USCIS issued an RFE, NOID or NOIT dated between March 1 and July 1, 2020, the agency will accept responses submitted within 60 calendar days after the original response deadline. Any Form I-290B received up to 60 calendar days from the date of the decision will be considered by USCIS before it takes any action. This does not affect applications for extensions of stay or employment authorization. Applicants who had an appointment scheduled with an Application Support Center on or after the March 18, 2020 closure or who filed a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization extension will have their application processed using

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previously submitted biometrics. This will remain in effect until ASCs resume normal operations. Click to read more. · Individuals have until October 1, 2021 to obtain U.S. state driver's licenses or identification cards that comply with the REAL ID Act security standards. · Two-month extension to certain J-1 exchange visitor program end dates in Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) on active records with a program end date between April and May 31, 2020 to allow exchange visitors the opportunity to complete either their educational or training programs or finalize travel plans to return home. Examples of categories with exchange visitors who could be extended are au pairs, interns, trainees, scholars and specialists. The Department of State will work with exchange visitors who completed their exchange programs in March but remain in the U.S. due to circumstances out of their control to push a reinstatement and extension in SEVIS resulting in a program end date of May 31, 2020. · Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers unable to depart before their current period of admission expires due to exigent circumstances have an option to request relief in the form of a satisfactory departure request for up to 30 days. On April 13, 2020, USCIS announced that VWP travelers already granted satisfactory departure and unable to depart within the 30-day period due to COVID-19 can be discretionally granted an additional 30-day period of satisfactory departure. On April 20, 2020, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that VWP travelers should be able to seek satisfactory departure by contacting any local CBP Port of Entry or Deferred Inspection Site; or the USCIS Contact Center.
Uruguay
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Uruguay has started to reopen government offices. · The National Immigration Directorate has resumed processing of immigration applications. Initial and renewed
residence permit and identity card applications can now be submitted. · The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has resumed processing of previously-filed Mercosur permanent residence
applications. However, acceptance of new Mercosur residence applications is suspended until further notice.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for non-resident foreign nationals, except nationals of Mercosur countries in transit to their home country and nationals of Brazil and Uruguay who are residents of border cities.
· Entry ban for all foreign nationals through certain land borders with Brazil (in the Rivera region).
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day home quarantine for all individuals entering Uruguay.
Venezuela
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Closure of public offices and suspension of all immigration-related services until June 12.
Travel Restrictions
· Suspension of all incoming and outgoing commercial and private flights until June 12.

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Vietnam

Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities

· Vietnam has started to reopen immigration departments/bureaus.
· Immigration departments/bureaus have resumed operations. Visas and temporary residence card renewal applications for foreign nationals currently in Vietnam can now be submitted.
· Visa exemption suspended for all nationalities until further notice.
· Entry visa (all types) suspended for all nationalities until further notice (except for special cases granted exceptional authorization from the government).
· Work Authorization Suspensions:
o General -
Temporary suspension of work permits for foreign nationals, following the directives issued by the Ministry of Labour - Invalids and Social Affairs. On the ground, different provincial Labour Departments and Management Boards have different implementation of the directives (and have discretion whether to apply the suspension or not).
The provincial labor authorities may request an explanation letter of the work permit applicant's travel schedule since December 31, 2019 (signed and sealed by the host company).
o Hanoi -
New and renewal work permit applications are still being accepted for applicants who are currently in Vietnam (except for Chinese e-passport holders). Additional documents for applicants who entered after February 1, 2020 may be requested.
For applicants who are currently outside of Vietnam, a copy of the full passport is required. Since it is may be uncertain as to when the applicant would be able to obtain a visa and enter Vietnam (without being quarantined), it is advisable to postpone such application submissions at this time.
o Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) -
Only applications for Work Permit renewal/reissuance are being accepted at this time. A recent medical check (conducted after February 11) at an authorized hospital is required.
Original passport is required when submitting work permit applications.
From April 29, 2020, job position approval applications are being accepted but the Labor Department office is not yet issuing new work permits.

Travel Restrictions

· Entry ban for all foreign nationals holding ordinary passports and Vietnamese visas (category TT, VR, or DN) and foreign nationals of Vietnamese origin (with 3-year or 5-year visa waiver).

Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements

· 14-day quarantine for all passengers arriving in Vietnam, including diplomatic passport holders and ordinary passport holders with a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or long-term visa (i.e., LD visa type for work purpose).

· Any foreign national in Vietnam may, at any time, be subject to quarantine at a designated health facility or mandatory home quarantine for up to 14 days, if they have been in direct contact with, in the same place at some point, or simply in contact with a third person who has been in direct contact with a person affected with COVID19.

· Passengers are currently not permitted to request for home quarantine in Vietnam (as the location of the

quarantine will be at the discretion of the relevant officer). For example, it may be possible that the passenger is

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requested to undergo his/her quarantine at a government-designated hotel, subject to the officer's discretion. Unfortunately, information on these hotels and government-designated quarantine facilities are not currently disclosed. Fragomen is closely monitoring any updates to these requirements. · Diplomatic passport holders and ordinary passport holders with a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or long-term visa (i.e., LD visa type for work purpose) must provide a mandatory health certificate upon entry. · All passengers who are permitted to enter must complete a form before arrival and must present a certificate issued by a recognised medical institution overseas stating that they have tested negative for COVID-19. · Passengers on domestic flights must complete a mandatory health declaration form before departure.
Concessions
· On May 18, Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security announced a new policy, providing an automatic extension of temporary stay for foreign nationals in certain qualifying groups with plans to depart Vietnam: o Foreign nationals who entered Vietnam on visa waiver or tourist visa (including eVisa) on or after March 1, 2020 will be granted an automatic extension of stay through June 30, 2020 and may also exit Vietnam during this period without having to apply for an extension of stay. o Foreign nationals who entered Vietnam before March 1, 2020 may be considered for an automatic extension through June 30, 2020, provided that they can provide proof that they have been unable to depart Vietnam due to COVID-19-related restrictions. A support letter from their home country consular post in Vietnam may be required. Upon their eventual departure from Vietnam, they should carry this documentation with them. o Please note that the new policy did not specifically include business visa holders (whose visas were sponsored by an entity in Vietnam). For such foreign nationals who entered Vietnam for business, work, labor, visiting relatives, or other purposes should therefore request the sponsor of their visa to request the extension.
Zambia
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Visas issued to foreign nationals are revoked with immediate effect.
Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for foreign nationals coming from high-risk countries including Austria, Belgium China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Entry, Quarantine and Health Requirements
· 14-day self-quarantine for Zambian nationals and residents returning from high-risk countries.
Zimbabwe
Current Operational Status of Government and Immigration Authorities
· Zimbabwe has reopened government offices. · The immigration department is open for filling, follow up and collection of issued documents from 8:00 14:30
(local time).

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Travel Restrictions
· Entry ban for travelers from affected countries without a coronavirus clearance certificate.
Concessions
· Automatic extension of all visa types that would have expired during the lockdown period between March 30, 2020 and May 17, 2020.
The information is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information: (i) must be regarded as a practical guide for general information and not a process guide for determining the specific immigration requirements of the countries covered, (ii) should not be a substitute for a more in-depth analysis of applicable facts and circumstances (including, without limitation, criminal or health-related circumstances) conducted by competent professionals, and (iii) does not represent an opinion from Fragomen or any of its agents with regard to the laws of any of the jurisdictions concerned. The information herein does not guarantee the outcome or approval of any particular immigration application. These materials are subject to copyright by our firm with all rights reserved and shall not be disclosed in whole or in part in any form to any third party absent Fragomen's advance written consent.

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