Global Immigration updates for China and Saudi Arabia
Asia-Pacific
China: Vaccinated foreign nationals can now apply for entry visas
Applicants from the following countries must have either received two doses of Chinese vaccines, with the stipulated gap in between, or a single-dose Chinese vaccine 14 days prior to their application. A vaccination certificate must accompany the application.
Country list:
Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Belarus, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, Gabon, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Macau, Malta, Micronesia, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Serbia, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, the U.S. and the U.K.
Foreign nationals and their family members visiting China to resume work are no longer required to provide an Invitation Letter (PU), Invitation Letter (TE) or Invitation Verification Notice.
Foreign family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents of China may submit visa applications for the purposes of reuniting with family, taking care of the elderly, visiting relatives, attending funerals or visiting critically ill relatives.
Valid APEC business travel card holders are eligible to apply for an M visa providing they present the original valid APEC business travel card and invitation letter.
Applicants who have obtained an entry visa must still provide double-negative Nucleic Acid and IgM Antibody test results, obtain a Green Health Declaration Code before boarding, and follow the relevant requirements for pandemic prevention (e.g. quarantine) upon landing.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the China Briefing.
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).
Europe, Middle east and Africa
Saudi Arabia: Professional Verification Program launched for skilled workers
On March 7, 2021, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) launched the “Professional Verification Program” focusing on improving the quality and productivity of skilled workers in the Saudi labor market.
Practical and theoretical examinations will form part of the professional verifications in the workers’ specialized fields. Expats must pass a test to prove their skills in their respective countries. They are also required to pass a similar test with recognized local examination centers to obtain a Saudi work visa. Additionally, the visa stamping system will be linked to the Verification Program and those seeking professional employment opportunities will only be able to obtain their visa having passed the local skills test.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from Human Resources and Social Development.
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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