United States: Restrictions on foreign workers without valid visa stamps
Impact
On June 23, 2020, the U.S. President announced entry suspensions for foreign workers that do not have an issued visa in the following categories:
- H-1B: skilled workers that are common in the tech. industry.
- H-2B visa: seasonal workers.
- J-1 visa: interns, trainees, teachers, camp counsellors, au pairs or work-study summer programs.
- L-visa: employees moving to the U.S. with the same employer.
The suspension will remain in place until December 31, 2020.
Those already in the U.S. and outside the U.S. with valid visas will not be impacted. Foreign workers with H-1B, H-2B, L-1 or J-1 status can still extend or change their status in the U.S.. The policy behind this executive order was an attempt to protect the U.S local job market.
Looking ahead
The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Labour, can recommend modifications to the order within 30 days of June 24, 2020, and every 60 days while the order is still in place.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Maggio Kattar.
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.
Latest Coronavirus updates
APAC
Japan: The government eases entry restrictions from Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam. More info at: NHK World-Japan
Singapore:
- All incoming travelers, who resided in the following countries 14 days prior to entry, are no longer required to serve a 14-day Stay Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated government facilities: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mainland China, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. SHNs may be served at preferred accommodation such as a hotel.
- Singapore citizens and permanent residents may serve their SHN at their place of residence.
- Long Term Pass holders may serve their SHN at a place of residence that their family owns or are sole tenants of, or at preferred accommodation such as a hotel.
- All other travelers continue to serve their SHN at dedicated government facilities. Some may be required to pay for their stay.
- All incoming travelers (regardless of citizenship) will be tested for Covid-19. Tests will be scheduled a few days before the end of the SHN period at a designated testing facility. More info at: Immigration & Checkpoint Authority Corporate
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
Switzerland: Majority of Coronavirus measures lifted with a ban on large-scale events remaining in place until the end of August. 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).
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