Japan: Online visa application expansion
The Immigration Service Agency has announced that online visa applications, such as Certificates of Eligibility, change of residence status, acquisition of status for dependents and authorized employment certificates, have been expanded as of March 24, 2020. Business managers, intracompany transferees, engineers/specialists in humanities/international services, and highly skilled professionals and skilled labor can apply for visas online.
No source available at the time of writing.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Jane Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager (APAC).
Coronavirus updates:
AMER:
Peru: People must remain in their homes between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m. The following departments are exempt: Tumbers, Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad and Loreto; compulsory social immobilization has been established between 4 p.m. and 5 a.m. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, only one male family member can go out, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, only one female family member can go out. Compulsory social immobilization is in place for all citizens in the national territory on Sundays. Please contact Roberta Carnaccini, Global Operations Director, Immigration, for more info.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini, Global Operations Director, Immigration.
APAC:
Indonesia: The Indonesian government announces a temporary ban for all foreign visitors entering the country and obliges all citizens to undergo a two-week quarantine. Some exemptions are foreigners holding ITAS, ITAP, Diplomatic Visa, Country Visa/Visa Dinas, Diplomatic Stay Visa, Country Stay Visa, and those working in medical teams, cabin crews, and on National Government Projects. More info at: Jakarta Globe.
Japan: Authorities will deny entry to foreign nationals traveling from a total of 73 countries and regions (about a third of the world), expanding its ban to include the Americas and Africa. All arrivals will be requested to self-quarantine and refrain from using public transportation for 14 days. More info at: Kyodo News.
Singapore: The Ministry of Manpower announces that the cancellation of work passes for Malaysian employees will only be permitted after April 14, 2020. Employers are advised not to send Malaysian employees in Singapore home while movement control order is being enforced. More info at: Human Resources Director.
Thailand: Only work permit holders are permitted to enter Thailand. Work permit holders must provide ‘’Fit to Fly’’ Health Certificates issued no more than 72 hours before traveling. The Prime Minister imposes a curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. The Revenue Department extends the filing deadline for Personal Income Tax Return (2019) from March 31 to June 30, 2020. Personal Income Tax Return for 2018 is still eligible to support Work Permit/Visa renewal applications. Please contact Debra Jane Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager, for more info.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Jane Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager (APAC).
EMEA:
Belgium: Lockdown measures are in place until April 19, 2020. All non-essential stores and public places are closed and all unnecessary travel is prohibited. Employees unable to leave the country, and whose residence authorization is about to expire, can apply for a temporary extension of stay of up to 90 days. Please contact Laxmi Vikraman, Regional Immigration Manager, for more info.
Germany: The government restricts the immigration of non-German nationals from March 17, 2020, for at least 30 days. All travel originating from outside of the Schengen Area will be affected. The Federal Foreign Office instructs its missions abroad to close visa sections and cease to service applications (except for individuals traveling in essential functions: healthcare, medical research and the transport of goods; and some exceptions exist for diplomats, military personnel and cases of family reunion if they are coercive and urgent). Please contact Laxmi Vikraman, Regional Immigration Manager, for more info.
Russia: The Russian government orders international flight suspensions. Entry bans are also in place except for:
- Close relatives
- Guardians or trustees of Russian nationals
- Citizens of CIS countries recognized by the Russian states of Abkhazia and South Ossetia (who arrive via air checkpoints and proceed to their home country via plane or other means of transportation)
- Citizens of Ukraine who permanently reside in the territories of Donetsk and Lugansk regions
Please contact Laxmi Vikraman, Regional Immigration Manager, for more info.
UAE: Individuals who need to travel during the curfew for emergency or compelling reasons must apply for a permit via Abu Dhabi Police or via mobile application. Violators caught moving without approval will be fined. Please contact Laxmi Vikraman, Regional Immigration Manager for more info.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Laxmi Vikraman, Regional Immigration Manager (EMEA).
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