The impact of Coronavirus on global immigration
AMER
Argentina:
- The government extends mandatory quarantine until April 26, 2020.
- People can leave their homes to buy supplies or medicines only, and the country’s border remains closed until further notice.
- Masks are mandatory in Buenos Aires and in other provinces. Schools and universities are still suspended and public transport will resume.
- The repatriation program for Argentines will also continue. More info at: Buenos Aires Times and Bloomberg.
U.S.: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service is using previously submitted biometrics to process work authorization extension requests until Application Support Centers reopen. Entry and receipt notifications for FY 2021 cap-subject H-1B petitions are also delayed. More info at: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service
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
Thailand: Temporary ban on all international flights extended until April 30, 2020. More info at: The Star
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
South Africa:
- Foreigners whose visas have expired or are due to expire during lockdown can either extend their visa at Visa and Permit Centers using the online booking system or leave South Africa after the lockdown period. These overstays will not receive a penalty.
- Foreign nationals holding an expired work, business or study visa, who have already applied for an extension, can continue to work, study and conduct their business. Note: Only applicable to those who have already submitted their application for an extension; their old visa must have expired after March 26.
- Passport holders of high-risk countries (Germany, Italy, Iran, Spain, South Korea, U.K. and the U.S.) who were issued a spousal, retired, volunteer or work visa, and residing in South Africa, will lose their visas.
- All visas to nationals of high-risk countries are being revoked (even for visa holders who have not traveled to South Africa, and foreigners who have been working for months/years and left the country before lockdown). More info at: Department of Home Affairs and IBN immigration solutions
Switzerland:
- The Federal Customs Administration announces that Swiss residents hopping the border for cheaper goods will be fined CHF 100. More info at: Al Jazeera
- On April 27, 2020, the Federal Council will ease several measures regarding coronavirus. More info at: The Federal Council
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).
We track policy changes in over 120 countries. Find out how we can help you in this short video.
