COVID-19 Global Mobility update 09 – 12 June 2020

Dear all, Please find below our most recent Mobility related global updates specifically related to the COVID-19 crisis and current guidance or measures that different countries are putting into place. If you have any questions on below, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Updates by country:

Canada European Union France Hong Kong Iraq Nigeria Panama

Russia Singapore United Arab Emirates Vietnam

Combating COVID-19 with resilience Visit our Deloitte COVID-19 webpage to see a collection of Global Deloitte insights to help businesses manage and mitigate the risk associated with COVID-19.

Iraq - COVID-19: Lockdown extended again

What is the change?

Iraq has extended its lockdown again to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Key Points:

The country’s lockdown has been extended until June 13.

The lockdown extension includes restrictions on air travel.

Previously the lockdown was extended from May 31 until June 6 for all cities in Iraq. That extension included flight restrictions.

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European Union - COVID-19: Member States to open internal borders, extend ban on nonessential travel

What is the change?

The majority of EU Member States have agreed to lift internal border controls and travel restrictions by June 15.

Key Points:

• The remaining Member States are planning to lift restrictions by the end of the month.

• The EU’s 27 home affairs ministers have decided to extend the ban on third-country nationals entering EU Member States from abroad until at least July 1.

• The Commission is expected to propose clear criteria for the lifting of controls at the external borders in a coordinated manner over the course of next days.

In March, EU Member States agreed to an initial 30-day halt to inbound travel from outside the EU. Member States have agreed to discuss a unified approach to easing travel restrictions from outside the EU.

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Panama - COVID-19: Filing extensions announced for residence permits, other documents

What is the change?

The government has granted extensions for residence permit filing, as well as other immigration-related documentation. Key Points:

Immigration offices will remain closed through June 7, resuming processing for

attorneys June 8 to be followed by processing for the general public at a later

date.

Those whose temporary residence or tourist stay expired between March 13

and June 7 will receive a three-month extension for residence filing, without

fines/penalties.

All supporting documents that expired between March 13 and June 7 are also

granted a three-month extension, except bank references and health

certificates.

Immigration will begin issuing ID card appointments once regular residence

permit filing and notification resume.

The Ministry of Labor will resume services on June 16; however, it has not yet

addressed how it will conduct appointments and ID card photos.

The international flight suspension, in force since March, will continue until June 22.

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France - Permits extended, online platform set to launch

What is the change?

France has extended the validity of additional residence permits and plans to launch a new digital platform in an effort to ease immigration processes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key Points:

Permits that expired between May 16 and June 15 will be extended for 180

days. This applies to French residence permits, long-stay visas, temporary

residence permits and temporary authorization of stay (APS). Previously, this

extension only applied to permits that expired between March 16 and May

15.

Officials recently announced plans to establish a digital platform to allow

foreign nationals to file applications online, including “récépissé/APS”

renewals, circulation document for minors and change of address notifications.

This platform will be available from June 15. Additional details are expected

soon.

France took a number of measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including closing its borders. Last month, France lifted internal travel restrictions and opened up its borders to a limited number of foreign nationals. It has also taken steps to ease immigration requirements for foreign nationals in France who may have difficulty returning home at this time. EU external borders, however, are likely to remain closed until at least June 15.

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Vietnam - Entry approval process created for foreign investors, workers

What is the change?

Vietnam has created a process for companies and other work organizations to apply for entry approval in order to bring foreign nationals into the country for work purposes.

Key Points:

The Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs has issued directives and

guidance on how to apply for entry approval for foreign investors, business

managers, experts, specialists, and highly skilled workers for work purposes.

Companies and organizations that wish to obtain entry approval for these

individuals must submit an official request to the Department of Labour,

Invalids and Social Affairs in the local provinces. The Provincial People’s

committee will review requests. For requests that are approved, the Provincial

People’s committee will work with public security and health authorities

involved in the issuing of entry visas. It will also arrange 14-day quarantines,

conduct COVID-19 tests, arrange transportation from the airport to the

quarantine place, ensure security, order, and public health safety and conduct

health monitoring.

Companies and organizations are to use a standard request letter and form to

apply for entry approval and must include details such as the individual’s

name, passport number, work permit status, and proposed entry date.

The application deadline is different for each province:

o For HCMC Labour Department, the deadline is June 8.

o For Binh Duong Industrial Zones Authority, the deadline is June 15.

o For Dong Nai Industrial Zones Authority, no deadline has been

provided.

All travelers authorized to enter Vietnam will be required to stay for 14 days at a government designated quarantine center or hotel which will be determined prior to departure and communicated to the sponsoring company/organization. During quarantine, health monitoring tests will be conducted.

Back to top For the latest country-specific travel restrictions and immigration information in relation to COVID-19, visit gowork.ges.deloitte to view Deloitte’s Digital travel Map.

Canada - COVID-19: Government updates compliance requirements

What is the change?

The Canadian government has implemented several compliance-related changes affecting temporary foreign workers and their employers. Key Points: New Employer Conditions:

Employers must not do anything to prevent their employees from complying with requirements under the Emergencies Act or the Quarantine Act or provincial laws regulating public health.

Employers are required to pay the wages of foreign workers during self-isolation or quarantine, as set out in the offer of employment.

Employers under the International Mobility Program are not required to provide accommodations or incur additional costs related to COVID-19, other than paying the wages throughout self-isolation or quarantine periods once their foreign employees have entered Canada, even if they are unable to work during that time. Some employers under the Temporary Foreign Worker program (e.g. Agricultural Stream) are required to provide housing and pay for transportation, health insurance, etc., in addition to paying wages during self-isolation and quarantine.

Foreign workers are entitled to the provisions of sick leave or other appropriate leave if they fall ill and a subsequent period of isolation is required.

Employer Inspections:

Inspections may be triggered if there is a notification of the spread of a communicable disease at the workplace of a foreign worker or an employer employs a foreign worker who is or was subject to an order made under the Emergency Act or Quarantine Act.

Employers can be selected for inspection any time within six years of work permit issuance. Documents related to compliance, e.g., proof of payment of wages during self-isolation after entry to Canada or compliance with sick leave provisions, must be retained for six years.

IRCC is conducting desk inspections to collect information from employers to assess compliance with new COVID-19 conditions (self-isolation for 14 days after entry to Canada, etc.).

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Canada - COVID-19: Temporary biometrics public policy exemption

What is the change?

The Canadian government has announced revisions to the requirement for biometrics testing abroad for temporary foreign workers in certain sectors. Key Points:

Temporary Foreign Workers are exempted from the requirement to have their biometrics collected prior to arrival in Canada, if:

o The National Occupation Classification (NOC) for their work permit is in the agricultural and agri-food sectors, health care sector or truck drivers, and the biometrics collection site closest to them is closed.

Once these essential workers arrive in Canada, they may be asked to provide their biometrics at the Port of Entry. Please note that the 14-day quarantine period is required and their health and quarantine plan will be assessed at the Port of Entry.

For all others not covered by this public policy amendment, the deadline to provide biometrics indicated in the biometric instruction letter (BIL) is automatically extended if the visa application centre (VAC) or biometrics collection site in their country or region is still closed. Click here for more information. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

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Canada - COVID-19: Changes to travel restrictions for immediate family members of Canadian citizens, permanent residents

What is the change?

The Canada Border Services Agency has announced that as of June 8, 2020 at 23:59 pm EDT, foreign nationals who are immediate family members of Canadian citizens will be allowed to enter Canada if entering the country to be with an immediate family member for at least 15 days. To be eligible for entry, they must:

Be an immediate family member (spouse or common-law partner, dependent child, parent or step-parent, guardian or tutor).

Wish to enter Canada for at least 15 days.

Not exhibit any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.

Have a viable quarantine plan covering 14 days post-entry, where they will not have contact with vulnerable people.

This exemption does not apply to immediate family members of temporary residents of Canada (e.g. foreign workers or student visa holders). Click here for more information. This alert was prepared by de Lint LLP, an independent immigration law firm, allied with Deloitte LLP in Canada.

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United Arab Emirates - Lockdown restrictions updated

What is the change?

Lockdown restrictions are seeing some relaxation, as the UAE moves to reopen government and business operations. Nevertheless, some movement restrictions remain in place. Key Points:

As of June 3, private sector businesses in Dubai, including shopping malls, may

operate at 100% capacity. Hours of operation must fall within the period

allowed for free movement, i.e., 6 am to 11 pm, and businesses must adhere

to strict safety measures.

Abu Dhabi may extend its current week-long movement ban on travel into and

out of, as well as within, the Emirate an additional two weeks, depending on

the results of current testing and screening.

As of June 7, government entities have increased their work force to 50%

capacity.

As of June 4, the endorsement of visas on passports has resumed. For all

residents who have had electronic visas issued, their original passports can be

submitted to the freezone/immigration authorities to complete the physical

residence visa endorsement on their passport.

Abu Dhabi initially imposed the movement ban in order to carry out extensive COVID-19 testing. Last week, the UAE increased the government workforce to 30% capacity after having resumed limited services earlier in May.

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Nigeria - COVID-19: Airports remain closed

What is the change?

Nigeria has extended its airport closures again to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Key Points:

Nigerian airports remain closed for international flights until further notice.

They also remain closed for domestic flights until June 20.

There are exceptions for emergency and essential flights that have been

approved. These flights are required to comply with COVID-19 protocols.

Nigeria first extended its airport closures the third week of May.

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Hong Kong - Government announces mechanism for directors and executives of specified listed companies to apply for exemption from compulsory quarantine arrangement

What is the change?

The Government has announced that directors or executives of certain companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK) who can meet the eligibility criteria may apply for exemption from the compulsory quarantine arrangement when they arrive at Hong Kong from the Mainland, subject to a pre-determined quota. The new scheme covers companies that are listed on the SEHK and included in the Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, or Hang Seng Composite LargeCap, MidCap or SmallCap Index, representing around 95 percent of the total market capitalisation in Hong Kong. Directors or executives of these listed companies who (i) travel from the Mainland to Hong Kong for essential business activities or (ii) return from the Mainland to Hong Kong after completing essential business activities, and satisfy certain eligibility criteria may apply for exemption. The exemption is quota-based and applications will be considered on a task-specific basis. During any calendar month, each of the eligible listed companies can nominate a maximum of two persons (who may be directors or executives) for the exemption. However, all exempted persons should note that currently, travellers to the Mainland would still be subject to the 14-day compulsory quarantine requirement imposed by the Mainland authorities. For more information on the exemption scheme, including its conditions and application procedures, please refer to the link below. More Information

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Singapore - Updated advisory on salary and leave arrangements

What is the change?

The MOM has reminded employers that they should ensure that they continue to take

care of the well-being of all their foreign employees in Singapore. For work permit

holders, there is a legal obligation on employers to provide upkeep and maintenance

while they are in Singapore.

As with local employees, foreign employees who work full-time must be paid their

prevailing salaries. Some foreign employees may not able to resume full-time work in

Singapore because their employers are only allowed to resume operations partially or

face poor business prospects. In such instances, employers are encouraged to continue

to pay the employees their prevailing salaries by considering the following:

a. Allow the employee to consume his existing leave entitlements.

b. Redeploy the affected foreign employee to another role within the company.

c. Provide the foreign employee with relevant training and upskilling to get ready

for the full resumption of business activities.

d. Apply for Flexible Work Schedule (FWS) which allows “time-banking” of salary

payments for unworked hours to offset overtime payments in the future.

To view the full advisory on salary and leave arrangements, please refer to the link below. More Information

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Singapore - 58 fines issued by Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in the first week of Phase One post circuit breaker

What is the change?

In the first week of Phase One post circuit breaker from 2 June 2020– 8 June 2020, ESG and STB issued 58 fines to businesses and individuals following inspections done across workplaces, malls, and tourism establishments. Among them, composition fines of S$1,000 each were issued to five businesses across retail, food, and manufacturing for failing to enforce proper Safe Management Measures. To view the updated guidelines and full list of Safe Management Measures for companies, please visit https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg.

More Information

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Russia - Immigration registration process updated

What is the change?

The government has updated the immigration registration process with the aim of easing compliance. Key Points:

The range of foreign citizens who may act as a host party and obtain

immigration registration for other foreigners has been expanded. After the

changes come into force, any foreign citizen who owns a residential property

in Russia will be able to act as a host party. Currently, highly qualified

specialists can as act their own host, as well as for their family members, and

foreign citizens holding a permanent residence permit, and other foreigners

owning residential properties in Russia, can act as hosts for themselves only.

Online registration via the Gosuslugi portal has been added to the existing

options (i.e., in-person visit to a Ministry of Internal Affairs territorial body, a

multifunctional government services center, or a post office).

Foreign citizens must register independently, if their host party permanently

resides abroad, and provide a notarized consent from the host party to stay in

the residential property.

If a foreign citizen moves to a hotel, the previously obtained immigration

registration will not be canceled. However, if moving from one hotel to

another, the first hotel will deregister them and the new hotel will then

register them.

The approved changes will enter into force 90 days after their official release.

The new wording of the law is designed to simplify the administrative formalities for all parties involved. However, each territorial branch of the Ministry of internal Affairs can set its own requirements for immigration registration. We strongly recommend

double-checking the process details and the list of documents in advance for each particular case.

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Canada - COVID-19: Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) and Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs)

What is the change?

The Canadian government has issued instructions regarding the processing of Temporary Resident Visas and Electronic Travel Authorizations. Key Points: Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs):

Applicants may continue to apply online only.

Applications will only be processed if the applicant is traveling for a non-discretionary/non-optional purpose and meets one of the exemption criteria.

Applications submitted prior to travel restrictions must be updated to confirm that the conditions are met in order for processing to continue.

Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs):

Applicants may continue to submit eTA applications online.

Any applications requiring manual officer review will be paused unless the applicants provide proof that they are traveling for a non-discretionary/non-optional purpose and they meet one of the exemption criteria.

Instructions on how to provide the documentary proof can be found here. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. This alert was prepared by de Lint LLP, an independent immigration law firm, allied with Deloitte LLP in Canada.

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For the latest country-specific travel restrictions and immigration information in relation to COVID-19, visit gowork.ges.deloitte to view Deloitte’s Digital travel Map.

This publication has been written in general terms and we recommend that you obtain professional

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