You searched for Morocco - Newland Chase https://newlandchase.com/ Global Immigration. Local Understanding. Fri, 05 Jan 2024 12:08:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.9 ISRAEL/PALESTINE – Urgent Travel Advisories and Changes https://newlandchase.com/israel-urgent-travel-advisories-and-changes/ https://newlandchase.com/israel-urgent-travel-advisories-and-changes/#respond Fri, 10 Nov 2023 10:45:26 +0000 https://newlandchase.com/?p=25523 Attacks this weekend in Israel have caused major disruptions to travel in and out of the country. CIBT is following the situation and has this update on the status of movement to and from Israel.

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Thursday 04 January Update:

Foreign expatriates have been returning to Israel in greater numbers over the past two weeks. Individuals seeking to return but with upcoming or past visa expiration circumstances should consider submitting an application for a waiver from consular processing. We recommend liaising with a specialist immigration provider for support with this as the approval of waivers requires strong justification and a compelling case needs to be submitted to Israeli immigration authorities.

Foreign nationals seeking to secure work authorisation in Israel should be aware that, effective January 1, 2024, the minimum monthly prevailing wage for foreign national experts has now increased to NIS 24,758—up 5.5 percent from 2023.

Additionally, from within Israel, the US Embassy has resumed non-immigrant and immigrant visa services. Appointments are available on the scheduling site for Israelis seeking to schedule interviews for H, L and E employee applications, as well as O and other non-immigrant visa classifications. The State Department has extended the interview waiver program for certain eligible non-immigrant applicants who wish to renew their visas. Israeli nationals may qualify for interview waiver if they apply in Israel; have no prior visa refusals (unless waived or overcome); and display no apparent or potential ineligibility. Renewal applicants must apply within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration date. It should be noted that in-person interviews may still be required based on individual cases and at the discretion of the Consular Officer.

As the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to evolve, CIBT will continue to monitor any developments and provide updates as necessary.

Friday 10 November Update:

The Ministry of Interior in Israel are yet to provide further information regarding an automatic extension to work visas for foreign employees beyond 9 November.

Further to our previous alert advising that expiration dates of valid work visas would be extended up to 9 November 2023, immigration authorities have not yet released an additional automatic extension of work visas for foreign employees or published any official guidelines to clarify the situation.

Foreign nationals who have already departed Israel with visas due to expire whilst they are outside of Israel must have their visa extensions processed at Israeli consulates before the expiry of their current visas. Due to the complexity and evolving nature of the conflict, we recommend liaising with immigration providers for further advice as several Israeli consulates worldwide are working with reduced hours or are currently closed. All matters, including the lack of clear government guidelines for visa extensions, should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will depend on various factors including the employee’s nationality, physical location, and visa expiration date as well as other considerations.

For some consular matters, there may be a possibility to submit a special request for a waiver from consular processing and to instead have this completed in Israel, However, should this be successful, work activities can only commence once the visa processing is complete in Israel (which may take an additional 1-2 days).  We would recommend that all employers of foreign nationals seeking to extend their stay in Israel, begin the process for visa renewals three months prior to their visa expiration date to allow for sufficient time for work visas to be processed.

Meanwhile, the Rafah crossing from Gaza into Egypt continues to open periodically. This week, a number of foreign passport holders and some injured evacuees passed through the crossing following a two-day suspension.  The Rafah border crossing is the only exit from Gaza that does not border Israel.

As the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to evolve, CIBT will continue to monitor any developments and provide updates as necessary.

Wednesday 01 November Update:

The Rafah border crossing connecting Gaza with Egypt has reopened for the first time since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.  Severely injured Palestinians requiring hospital treatment as well as dual national foreign passport holders have been permitted to evacuate Gaza.  The embassies of the people permitted to leave the warzone have been informed in advance.  It is expected that further evacuations will take place in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Israeli immigration authorities have advised that that the expiration date for all visas (other than B-1 work visas) – which were due to expire before 8 February 2024, will automatically be extended to 8 February 2024. Additionally, foreign nationals working in the domestic caregiving and agriculture sectors whose work permits were due to expire between 7 October 2023, and 7 January 2024, will now be granted an extension of three months from the expiration date of each permit.

Unless any further announcements are made regarding extensions, visas should be extended following the regular extension process.  As mentioned previously, all visa holders with an expiration date prior to 9 November 2023, including work visas, will automatically be extended to 9 November 2023.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs have now closed Israeli embassies in the following countries: Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Turkmenistan, and Morocco.

As the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to evolve, CIBT will continue to monitor any developments and provide updates as necessary.

Friday 27 October update:

Immigration authorities in the United Arab Emirates have placed additional security checks on Palestinian and Israeli nationals applying for visas required to obtain employment and dependent permits.  Additionally, Newland Chase has observed an increasing trend of visit visa refusals from Lebanon, Egypt, and Palestine.

It is still possible for Israeli citizens to enter the UAE, and the UAE is still granting visa on arrival for tourism/business meetings.

Currently, it is not possible for Israeli nationals to enter Lebanon, Egypt, Qatar or Saudi Arabia unless there are humanitarian grounds to apply for an exemption to enter these countries. As the conflict develops, we anticipate that additional countries may consider restricting entry for Israeli citizens.

Finally, a growing number of countries are advising their citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon at this time. The US State Department has raised its advisory for Lebanon to Level 4: Do Not Travel. The US embassy in Lebanon is advising American citizens who wish to depart Lebanon to leave immediately, due to the unpredictable security situation. International flights from Beirut–Rafic Hariri Airport are still operating, though at reduced capacity. The US Embassy in Lebanon further is offering potential financial assistance to Americans wishing to leave Lebanon, but who lack funds.

Tuesday 24 October update:

Cyprus to assist with evacuation and repatriation 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cyprus have implemented the Special National Plan ESTIA to support with the evacuation and repatriation of foreign citizens from an area in crisis.

Special National Plan ESTIA is activated in times of emergency or crisis, to allow for the safe evacuation of civilians from a nearby crisis area (in this instance the wider Middle East region) through Cyprus.  More specifically, in consultation with the embassies of 26 countries (including the US, Denmark, UK, Portugal, Holland, Belgium and Germany), Cyprus will operate as a transit for foreign nationals seeking to return to their home countries. Cypriot authorities are arranging temporary accommodation, food, and special return flights to transport foreign citizens back to their country of nationality.  The Special National Plan ESTIA is not applicable for Israeli or Palestinian nationals.

Holders of Israeli passports can enter Cyprus as visitors, without a visa for stays that do not exceed 90 days within a six-month period provided that their passport will be valid for at least three months at the date of departure.

Palestinian nationals cannot enter Cyprus as visitors and will need to apply for a visa. If they are already holders of a visa allowing entry to Cyprus, it is recommended to check with their embassy their individual status to find any available options.

As the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to evolve, CIBT will continue to monitor any developments and provide updates as necessary.

Friday 20 October update:

Israeli citizens eligible for visa-free travel to US effective immediately

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have announced, with immediate effect, that Israeli citizens will be permitted to undertake short-term travel to the United States under the U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) scheme.

US authorities had previously designated Israel into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program effective 30 November 2023, however the implementation date has now been brought forward due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.  Successful applicants will be able to enter the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. Israeli citizens and nationals who currently have a valid B-1/B-2 visas can also continue to use them for business and tourist travel to the United States.

Eligible Israeli citizens and nationals must have a biometrically enabled passport book. ESTA applications may take up to 72 hours for processing. The ESTA application will be available in English only at this time and is expected to be available in other languages by 1 November 2023.  ESTA is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Upon completion of an ESTA application, travellers are notified of their eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Holders of non-biometric, temporary, or emergency travel documents, or travel documents from a non-Visa Waiver Program designated country will not be eligible for an ESTA but can instead apply for a U.S. visa.  Additionally, any individuals intending to stay in the United States longer than 90 days should consider applying for a visa instead of an ESTA.

Eligible travellers can apply online for authorization to travel to the United States through the ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov or by downloading the “ESTA Mobile” app through iOS App Store or the Google Play Store.

Rafah border remains closed to Palestinian and foreign nationals in Gaza

Meanwhile, Palestinians and all foreign nationals continue to be unable to evacuate from Gaza across the neighbouring border to Egypt. In addition to border sites with Israel being closed, the Rafah crossing on the border of Egypt and Gaza remains shut meaning that it is not possible to evacuate the ongoing war taking place in Gaza.

As the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to evolve, CIBT will continue to monitor any developments and provide updates as necessary.

Friday 13 October update:

On 12 October 2023, the immigration authorities in Israel (known as the Population, Immigration and Border Authority ‘PIBA’), have announced that they will be closed to the public until further notice.  No indication has been provided regarding the duration of the closure.  This is likely to cause a further delay to work permit applications currently in process in Israel and/or at Israeli Consulates internationally.  For up-to-date information on the specific locations of the office closures, we recommend reviewing information on the PIBA website (piba.gov.il) or on telegram at: https://t.me/pibaIsrael.

Travel to Israel continues to be severely impacted by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Whilst some scheduled flights are operating as normal, individuals planning to enter or depart Israel should anticipate delays or cancellations.  The Ministry of Interior desk at Ben Gurion Airport Terminal 3 should be contacted in case an emergency passport is required for any individuals who has a flight booked within a 48-hour period.  More information on eligibility and issuance of emergency passports can be found on the PIBA website (Issue a emergency passport(temporary) or travel document | Population and Immigration Authority (www.gov.il))

As the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to evolve, CIBT will continue to monitor any developments and provide updates as necessary.

Wednesday 11 October update:

Further to our client alert on 9 October 2023, the security situation in Israel and Gaza remains unstable due to the ongoing conflict.  Ben Gurion Airport remains operational and commercial airlines are continuing flights to and from Israel, albeit with several scheduled flights being delayed or cancelled. As of 11 October, there have been no reported consular or embassy closings in Israel. This could change at any time and we will continue to monitor the situation and advise accordingly.

Immigration authorities in Israel have confirmed that the expiration dates of all currently valid work visas expiring for the next month will be extended until at least 9 November 2023. After this period, if no subsequent notification is issued, work permits or visas will need to be extended in accordance with the standard procedures.

Work permit applications currently in process may be delayed due to staff shortages within the immigration authorities in Israel and/or at Israeli Consulates internationally. As the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to evolve, CIBT will continue to monitor any developments and provide updates as necessary.

 

Monday 9 October:

The attacks by Hamas against Israel on Saturday have sparked a crisis situation across the country. CIBT has been monitoring the situation to determine how travel in and out of Israel will be affected.

As of Monday morning, there were no reported consular or embassy closings in Israel. This could change at any time, and we will continue to monitor the situation.

The US State Department in an official announcement is saying “the situation in Israel remains dynamic” but has not as yet issued a formal travel advisory. The State Department has published the following information for US citizens in Israel, saying: “US citizens seeking to be in touch with the US Embassy in Israel, can call 1-833-890-9595 (toll free) and 606-641-0131 (local). For the latest security alert regarding Israel, please click here.”

Meanwhile, the government of the United Kingdom issued an urgent advisory warning people to “avoid travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.” The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office has specifically warned against all travel to Gaza, the Sheba’a Farms, and Ghajjar, as well as any areas within 500 meters of the borders with neighboring Lebanon and Syria, as well as all but essential travel to areas in the northern West Bank.

In terms of travel, Ben Gurion International Airport – Israel’s primary international airport – remains open, though sporadic closures due to Hamas rocket attacks are possible. A number of airlines, including America, Delta, British Airways, and Lufthansa, cancelled flights to Tel Aviv over the weekend and are scaling back operations this week. Anyone with a scheduled flight to or from Israel should check with your carrier on the current status of your flight.

Cruise lines are also being affected by the conflict. On Saturday both Holland America Lines and Oceana immediately suspended shore excursions and hastily left the port of Haifa in northern Israel on Saturday. Most cruise lines are either diverting from scheduled stops in Israel or canceling shorter cruises entirely.

The situation in Israel is rapidly developing. CIBT will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are consulates and embassies in Israel operating differently in light of the conflict? Will there be delays in visa and work permit issuance?

As of October 13, we have no reports of foreign embassy or consulate closures in Israel, though this may change as the conflict goes on, so please follow Newland Chase’s blog and social media accounts for updates.

On 12 October 2023, the immigration authorities in Israel (known as the Population, Immigration and Border Authority or ‘PIBA’), have announced that they will be closed to the public until further notice.  No indication has been provided regarding the duration of the closure.  This is likely to cause a further delay to work permit applications currently in process in Israel and/or at Israeli Consulates internationally.

Does CIBT provide services in the region?

Yes, we can provide travel document services to the region, including providing visas.

Can business travelers still move in and out of the region?

Yes, there are no broad travel bans currently in place, though some governments, like the United Kingdom and United States, are advising against travel to the region in general and are saying not to travel to Gaza specifically.

Flights into and out of David Ben Gurion airport – Israel’s main international airport – are subject to delays and cancelations, with some airlines stopping flights into Israel.

Can tourists still move in and out of the region?

Yes, there are no general travel bans currently in place, though many governments are advising against travel to the region. Flights into and out of David Ben Gurion airport – Israel’s main international airport – are subject to delays and cancelations, with some airlines stopping flights into Israel.

Cruise lines have been diverting away from port calls in Israel, and ending shore excursions, so if you are traveling to Israel as part of a cruise, the itinerary will likely remove any stops in Israel.

Anyone traveling to Israel currently for tourist purposes should exercise extreme caution and register with your country’s embassy in Israel upon arrival so you can be contacted in case of emergencies.

What precautions should foreign nationals in the region take?

If you are a foreign national currently in the Israel/Palestine region (or even in a neighboring country such as Lebanon or Jordan which could see fighting spill over into their countries) we recommend you register with your country’s embassy or consulate in case support is needed at any time.

US citizens should enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), which both lets local embassies and consulates know you are in the region and provides you with emergency alerts and advisories.

It is also important to keep a copy of your travel documents (copies of your passport, national ID cards, travel visas, work permits, etc.) with you at all times. Also monitor local media for real-time information on any potential disturbances in your immediate area.

Can Israelis travel to the United States without a visa?

Yes. A visa-waiver scheme between the US and Israel was scheduled to go into effect in November. Due to the ongoing conflict, the visa-waiver program has begun immediately. Israelis can now travel to the US for periods up to 90 days without a visa. For longer stays, a visa will still be required.

Can foreign nationals who are currently in Gaza leave?

Foreign governments have been working to arrangements for their citizens currently in Gaza to leave, though mobility is greatly affected by active military operations. The foreign nationals should plan to leave via the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. The Rafah crossing has been open for limited periods of time for humanitarian reasons since the beginning of the conflict. Foreign nationals should work with their local embassy or consulate on procedures to leave Gaza.

How long is this conflict expected to last?

There is no way to tell, though we will work to provide information and travel document service for the duration of the conflict.

Where can travelers get regular updates?

Our staff is following developments in the region closely and will provide updates on any announced travel restrictions or embassy/consulate closings. Please follow our social media channels and our blog for updates.

Links
Blog: Immigration Insights – Newland Chase Global Immigration Services for Corporations & Individuals
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cibt/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cibtcorp
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CIBTGlobal

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CANADA – Countries Added to eTA Program https://newlandchase.com/canada-countries-added-to-eta-program/ https://newlandchase.com/canada-countries-added-to-eta-program/#respond Fri, 09 Jun 2023 20:56:37 +0000 https://newlandchase.com/?p=25079 Canada has added 13 countries to its electronic travel authorization (eTA) program. The eTA Canada is an electronic travel authorization allowing visa-exempt foreign nationals to enter Canada.

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Canada has added 13 countries to its electronic travel authorization (eTA) program. The eTA Canada is an electronic travel authorization that is linked to a traveler’s passport and allows visa-exempt foreign nationals to enter Canada by air or transit through a Canadian airport.

The new countries added to the eTA program are:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Costa Rica
  • Morocco
  • Panama
  • Philippines
  • Kitts and Nevis
  • Lucia
  • Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Seychelles
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Uruguay

Travelers from these countries who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air. Effective June, 6, eligible travelers from these countries can benefit from the program.

Newland Chase Insights

This will make it faster, easier, and more affordable for thousands of travelers from different nations to visit Canada for up to six (6) months for either business or leisure. This will also aid in the growth of Canada’s economy by facilitating more travel, tourism and international business. The Canadian government also expects a reduction in visa caseload, allowing for increased efficiency for the processing of visa application, benefiting visa applicants worldwide.

Individuals who already have a valid visa can continue to use it to travel to Canada. Those who are not eligible for an eTA, or who are travelling to Canada by means other than air (e.g. car, bus, train, boat – including by cruise shop) will still need a visitor visa.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

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ITALY: Quotas for 2023 Announced https://newlandchase.com/italy-quotas-for-2023-announced/ https://newlandchase.com/italy-quotas-for-2023-announced/#respond Fri, 03 Feb 2023 17:36:16 +0000 https://newlandchase.com/?p=24696 Italy has announced the number of work permits available per year in Italy for some types of employment scenarios for 2023.

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There are only a limited amount of work permits available per year in Italy for some types of employment scenarios. These available quotas are defined in the “decreto flussi”. On 26th of January the new “decreto flussi” for 2023 was published in the Official Gazette, which sets the total quota available for 2023 at 82,705.

Most available quotas are only available to nationals of the following countries, which have signed specific cooperation agreements on migration with Italy: Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kosovo, Mali, Mauritius, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Republic of North Macedonia, Senegal, Serbia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tunisia, and Ukraine.

In addition, some quotas are reserved for nationals of countries which will enter into agreements on cooperation on migration during the year 2023, while others have no such nationality restriction.

The quotas for 2023 are:

  • 44,000 for seasonal subordinate work in the agricultural and tourist-hotel sectors for nationals of the countries with an existing cooperation agreement on migration as listed above;
  • 30,105 for non-seasonal subordinate work in the sectors road haulage for third parties, construction, tourism-hotel, mechanics, telecommunications, food and shipbuilding; of these 24,105 are for nationals of the countries with an existing agreement as listed above, and 6000 for nationals of countries still to enter into agreement during 2023;
  • 7000 for the conversion of certain existing residence permits into subordinate and autonomous work residence permits;
  • 1000 for people who have completed training and education programs abroad as approved by the Ministry of Labour and Education;
  • 500 for autonomous workers such as entrepreneurs, freelancers, start-up, professionals, famous artists and directors and auditors of Italian companies;
  • 100 for people residing in Venezuela who have Italian origin up to the third-degree direct line of ancestry through at least one parent.

Applications for permits pursuant to the “decreto flussi” for 2023 can be filed from 27 March onwards until the 31 December 2023, provided quotas are still available. 60 days after the quotas open up the authorities can decide to change the subdivision of these quotas if permit demands require this.

Frequently used permits for highly skilled or highly qualified employees, like the EU ICT permit, the non- quota work permit for intra company transferees and the EU Blue Card, as well as the permit for foreign service providers are not subject to the above-mentioned quotas.

Newland Chase Insights

Companies which do not qualify for non-quota work permits for their employees should file their applications for work permits for 2023 under the quota system as soon as possible after the 27th of March – not only to ensure that permits are still available, but also because Italian immigration processes generally take a long time to complete. Newland Chase is able to assist you with both applications under the quota system as well as with non-quota applications.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

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Travel and Mobility Strategies to Successfully Manage the Unexpected https://newlandchase.com/travel-and-mobility-strategies-to-successfully-manage-the-unexpected/ https://newlandchase.com/travel-and-mobility-strategies-to-successfully-manage-the-unexpected/#respond Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:14:00 +0000 https://newlandchase.com/?p=18406 Newland Chase’s September COVID-19 webinar focused on strategies that global mobility managers and travel managers can utilize to surf the waves of the continually changing immigration and global entry landscape. Global mobility managers and travel managers are encouraged to carefully evaluate these suggestions to successfully steer their immigration program through the choppy waters of global travel during the COVID-19 era.

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Newland Chase’s September COVID-19 webinar focused on strategies that global mobility managers and travel managers can utilize to surf the waves of the continually changing immigration and global entry landscape.

Global mobility managers and travel managers are encouraged to carefully evaluate the following suggestions to successfully steer their immigration program through the choppy waters of global travel during the COVID-19 era.

Consider Leveraging Travel Bubbles and Corridors

Travel bubbles or corridors are mutual agreements or unilateral concessions, allowing travelers from specified countries or regions to more easily enter and exit. Entry restrictions or quarantine/testing requirements may be eased on the basis of each country’s coronavirus infection rate per 100,000 population and sometimes other factors. Permitted travel may be limited to tourism or business, repatriation or temporary work.

It may be possible to take advantage of travel bubbles or corridors to facilitate travel; for example, by having a traveler or assignee spend time en route in a country which has a mutual arrangement with the final destination country, in order to avoid quarantine or entry restrictions on arrival.

However, as such mutual arrangements tend to change at short notice as the infection rates in the country of origin and destination fluctuate, using travel bubbles or corridors in this way can be a risk; there is no guarantee that the bubble will not burst before the onward travel leg can be started.

Some examples of travel bubbles or corridors: include

  • In May 2020, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania mutually lifted their travel restrictions. Citizens and residents of the Baltic states were allowed to travel within the “Baltic bubble” without self-isolating or testing for COVID-19 on arrival, provided that they had not been outside the Baltic states in the past 14 days, that they were not in self-isolation already and had no symptoms of respiratory illness. However, on 12 September the bubble burst when Latvia began requiring self-isolation for travelers from Estonia, which had exceeded its threshold of 16 infections per 100,000.
  • In September 2020, Hungary imposed a strong entry ban with, initially, no country- or nationality-specific exceptions, even for EU citizens. Exceptions were made for employees of foreign companies doing business with Hungarian companies, employees of Hungarian companies and commuters traveling up to 30 km inside the border for a 24-hour period. Almost immediately, the government made a new exception for travelers from the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia (Hungary’s partners in the Visegrád Group) who had already booked trips to Hungary before 1 September, if they provide a negative COVID-19 test result obtained less than five days previously. Later, Hungary also exempted commuters travelling from Austria from the 30km/24hr rule.
  • Singapore has opened mutual two-way routes (“Reciprocal Green Lanes”) with Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea, and a one-way route from New Zealand.
  • China’s fast-track agreement with Singapore is repeated with several other countries. Residents of these countries qualifying for an M (business) visa invitation letter for necessary and urgent economic, trade, scientific or technological activities may now qualify for a fast-track route, exempting them from the 14-day quarantine requirement in certain provinces and cities (Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhejiang). However, testing, accommodation, transportation, workplace and itinerary requirements remain strict.
  • The European Union, meanwhile, agreed a recommended list of non-EU countries whose residents should be permitted to enter the bloc for non-essential purposes (and has since removed Algeria, Montenegro, Morocco and Serbia from this list). EU member states are, however, free to impose entry restrictions and quarantine or testing requirements on travelers from these countries.
  • Many governments have published their own lists of high-risk/red, medium-risk/orange and low-risk/green countries based on a variety of data sources and criteria. The lists are updated frequently but not always regularly, and with little advance warning. The variety and complexity of entry and health restrictions based on these lists can be bewildering.

Think about Regional Staging

As regional bubbles and corridors develop, and as lockdowns and restrictions become more localized, it may be prudent to think more long term and to stage key employees regionally or at key locations to take advantage of these travel bubbles and facilitate business travel, plus to avoid disruption caused by local lockdowns.

For example, consider locating employees in the regions where you need them in Australia (due to Australia’s local lockdowns), or consider moving employees from the US long term to the EU rather than trying to support multiple US-EU business trips.

Case Study: 

A US-based company frequently needs to send multiple employees from the US to various EU member states to provide after-sales support to their clients. This has proven very difficult due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in Europe. Fortunately, the company has an entity in the Netherlands, and has decided to base two engineers there full time to take advantage of facilitated intra-EU travel.

However, it should be noted that travelers entering or returning to the Netherlands from certain countries or regions, including within the EU, are subject to a ten-day self-quarantine.

Remember Exit Requirements

It is important to remember that several countries now have additional coronavirus-related exit and re-entry requirements, for both their own nationals and foreign residents.

Some examples are:

Australia

  • Australian citizens and permanent residents cannot travel overseas due to COVID-19 restrictions, unless they meet certain automatic exemptions. Alternatively, they can submit an individual exit request on the basis that their travel is essential for critical industries and business, amongst other possible reasons.

Malaysia

  • All categories of foreign national long-term pass holder who wish to exit and return to Malaysia must obtain exit and re-entry permission (ERP) via the MYEntry system and must return within 60 days.
  • All categories who wish to exit for good must cancel their pass or obtain a special pass if required.
  • No approval is required for Malaysian citizens who are diplomats returning to work; students; holders of a long-term pass issued by another country; or employees of oil, gas and shipping companies signing on overseas.
  • Approval is required for Malaysians who previously entered Malaysia during any of the Movement Control Orders; Malaysians who have just received work permit approval from an employer overseas; Malaysians who wish to attend meetings, seminars, exhibitions and other business activities; emergency or medical situations; or Malaysians who need to accompany their children for studies.
  • Exit for leisure, holidays or visiting family is not permitted.

United Arab Emirates

  • The UAE has relaxed its foreign travel guidelines, allowing citizens and residents to travel to all accessible destinations for ‘general’ reasons, and without obtaining an ICA re-entry permit to return to the UAE.
  • However, Dubai residents intending to return to Dubai must first obtain a re-entry permit from the Dubai GDRFA. Holders of valid Dubai residence visas and GDRFA approval may re-enter Dubai after more than 6 months abroad.

Will COVID Force Immigration Legislation to Catch Up with How Employees Want to Work?

The nature of “work” has changed. Digital nomads and younger generations want flexibility and, due to the pandemic, working from home is now a reality for many more of us.

However, immigration legislation has always lagged behind this trend– until recently. Countries are now getting creative to attract talent and allow workers to take advantage of new technology.

Estonia has recently launched a Digital Nomad Visa specifically designed for remote workers; Barbados and Bermuda have done likewise.  Several other countries have already have freelance visa routes which can be used for more flexible working (e.g. Germany, Czech Republic, Norway, Portugal).

Working from one location while contracted for employment in another country carries plenty of complexities and risks, including tax and social security considerations, so it is not wise to rush into arrangements like this, however appealing they may seem for your employees.  However, it is interesting to note that legislation has started to adapt to meet the needs of the modern workforce.  If your company is interested in discussing these changes and how they could affect your plans, please make contact with Newland Chase; we would love to hear from you.

How We Can Help

We received several questions regarding how to get up-to-date and accurate knowledge surrounding visa application holds and processing times. Our new Informed Traveler Service provides each traveler a customized, start-to-finish holistic view of his or her trip, what to expect at each step of the way, and an update 48-hours before departure to alert you to any changes. Contact your dedicated Newland Chase or CIBTvisas representative to learn how we can help ensure that you meet your organization’s duty of care obligations as you send employees overseas.

It is important to consider implementing these strategies for your business at this time. In summary think about travel bubbles, think about basing employees regionally for increased stability, remember exit requirements, and think about how your voice can be heard as immigration legislation continues to change.

We welcome the opportunity to partner with you to evaluate these strategies for your organization. Contact your dedicated Newland Chase or CIBTvisas representative to receive expert guidance. Don’t have one yet? Contact us here.

 

On-Demand COVID-19 Webinar | The Nimble Program: 4 Travel and Mobility Tips to Successfully Manage the Unexpected

Watch our webinar focused on strategies that Global Mobility Managers and Travel Managers can utilize to surf the waves of the continually changing immigration and global entry landscape. Newland Chase leaders Sophy King and Jason Rogers will examine how to successfully steer your immigration program through the choppy waters of global travel during the COVID-19 era. Watch now.

 

We’re here to help with all global immigration actions. Contact us to schedule a consultation to learn how we can support your business during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and keep up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 travel and immigration updates on our dedicated online resource – COVID-19: Latest Travel and Immigration Disruption

 

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EU Publishes Recommended “Travel Safe List” for Residents of 15 Countries https://newlandchase.com/eu-publishes-recommended-travel-safe-list-for-residents-of-15-countries/ https://newlandchase.com/eu-publishes-recommended-travel-safe-list-for-residents-of-15-countries/#respond Tue, 30 Jun 2020 19:11:53 +0000 https://newlandchase.com/?p=17497 The European Council has adopted a recommendation to Schengen member states and the four Schengen Associated States on the gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the European Union.

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On 30 June, the European Council adopted a recommendation to Schengen member states (including prospective members Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania) and the four Schengen Associated States (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) on the gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the European Union. Travel restrictions should be lifted for countries listed in the recommendation, with this list being reviewed and, as the case may be, updated every two weeks.

  • Based on the criteria and conditions set out in the latest recommendation, as from 1 July member states should start lifting the travel restrictions at the external borders for residents of the following third countries: Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay (and China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity).
  • The Council recommendation is not a legally-binding instrument. The authorities of the member states remain responsible for implementing the content of the recommendation. They may, in full transparency, lift only progressively travel restrictions towards countries listed.
  • A member state should not decide to lift the travel restrictions for non-listed third countries before this has been decided in a coordinated manner.
  • Residents of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican should be considered as EU residents for the purpose of this recommendation.
  • Ireland and Denmark are not taking part in the adoption of this recommendation and are not bound by it or subject to its application.
  • For countries where travel restrictions continue to apply, the following categories of people should be exempted from the restrictions:
    • EU/EEA citizens (including Swiss and UK nationals) and their family members
    • Long-term EU residents and their family members
    • Travelers with an essential function or need, as listed in the recommendation. This now includes highly-qualified third-country workers if their employment is necessary from an economic perspective and the work cannot be postponed or performed abroad. It may include those whose application for permits under the EU’s Blue Card Directive 2009/50, the EU’s ICT Directive 2014/66 or as Researchers under Directive 2016/801 (or a national permit for skilled migrants) was approved but who were until now prevented from entering the EU due to the entry ban. Following this recommendation, we expect that EU member state to confirm and provide further guidance on this new exemption in the upcoming days. However, note that for these exempted groups, public health measures such as quarantine may still apply.

Our Advice

Please contact Newland Chase for help navigating the current travel restrictions and exemptions.

View our comprehensive COVID-19 Travel and Immigration Guide, which gathers together the knowledge and data we have on entry restrictions, immigration restrictions (office closures, visa suspensions, etc.) and immigration concessions, worldwide. Updated twice daily as new information is released.

New Webinar – Presidential Proclamation Examined: U.S. Immigration Developments and Their Global Impacts

As the immigration landscape rapidly shifts throughout the world, multinational companies have struggled to manage both their domestic workforce and global mobility programs. Watch our on-demand webinar examining the new challenges employers now face from President’s Trump Proclamation on 22 June 2020 and the anticipated upcoming travel bans from the European Union. Immigration experts Jason Rogers from Newland Chase and Ian Macdonald and Courtney Noce from Greenberg Traurig analyze the latest impacts these developments will have on both U.S. and global immigration programs.

 

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Global Immigration Weekly Roundup – 8 July 2019 https://newlandchase.com/global-immigration-weekly-roundup-8-july-2019/ https://newlandchase.com/global-immigration-weekly-roundup-8-july-2019/#respond Mon, 08 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000 https://newlandchase.com/?p=17160 The latest global immigration news and insights in your weekly newsletter from Newland Chase.

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The latest vital global immigration news and insights in your weekly update from Newland Chase.

 

KENYA: Tax Certificate Now Required for Work Permit Renewals

Effective 1 July 2019, the Department of Immigration Services (DIS) has issued a directive requiring all work permit renewal applications to include individual and company Tax Compliance Certificates (TCCs).

Read more

MOROCCO: Dependent Children Must Obtain Residence Permits

The Moroccan government has announced to all foreign diplomatic missions in Morocco that, effective 1 July 2019, it will enforce the current regulation requiring all foreign national children resident in Morocco to obtain residence permits (“cartes de séjour”).

Read more

CZECH REPUBLIC: Upcoming Immigration Changes

Effective sometime in August 2019, draft legislation will introduce some significant changes to the immigration rules.  The final version of the new Act has not yet been signed by the president or published.

Read more

KAZAKHSTAN: Deadline for 2020 Quota Applications is 31 July 2019

The deadline for submitting quota applications for employing foreign nationals in quota-subject categories in 2020 is 31 July 2019.

Read more

 

Sign up here to receive this weekly immigration newsletter and other updates from around the globe directly to your inbox.

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MOROCCO: Dependent Children Must Obtain Residence Permits https://newlandchase.com/orocco-dependent-children-must-obtain-residence-permits/ https://newlandchase.com/orocco-dependent-children-must-obtain-residence-permits/#respond Thu, 04 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000 https://newlandchase.com/?p=16865 From 1 July 2019, Morocco will enforce the regulation requiring all foreign national children resident in Morocco to obtain residence permits.

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The Moroccan government has announced to all foreign diplomatic missions in Morocco that, effective 1 July 2019, it will enforce the current regulation requiring all foreign national children resident in Morocco to obtain residence permits (“cartes de séjour”).

Previously, this regulation was not enforced in practise.

Apparently, the regulation will be strictly enforced from September with a two-month implementation period, although it is recommended to begin the process of applying for residence cards for dependent children as soon as possible, to minimize the possibility of difficulties with the immigration and customs authorities.

Our Advice

Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Morocco, please email us at enquiries@newlandchase.com

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MOROCCO: Fewer Intra-Company Transfers Qualify for Exemption from Labour Market Testing https://newlandchase.com/orocco-fewer-intra-company-transfers-qualify-for-exemption-from-labour-market-testing/ https://newlandchase.com/orocco-fewer-intra-company-transfers-qualify-for-exemption-from-labour-market-testing/#respond Fri, 13 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://newlandchase.com/?p=17330 In the last few weeks, the Ministry of Labour in Morocco has tightened the qualifying criteria for the intra-company transfer work permit process.

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In the last few weeks, the Ministry of Labour in Morocco has tightened the qualifying criteria for the intra-company transfer work permit process.The ICT process exempts employers from obtaining approval from the Agence Nationale de Promotion de l'Emploi et des Competences (ANAPEC) certifying that no local Moroccan candidate suits the position.

Effective immediately, only transfers from the parent company qualify for this route. For transfers between sister companies an affidavit from ANAPEC is required.

ANAPEC has also introduced a new service fee of between MAD 1500 and MAD 5000, depending on the case, for an application for an affidavit of approval, and has committed to processing affidavits faster for positions that do not require a published advertisement.

Finally, police are less tolerant than ever of late renewals of residence permits or visa overstay, preventing foreign nationals in these situations from exiting the country until they regularize their immigration status.

Our Advice

Employers in Morocco intending to transfer foreign national employees from a sister company should be aware that this kind of transfer no longer qualifies for a labour market test exemption, and the process will therefore take longer than previously.

Employers applying for an ANAPEC affidavit of approval should be prepared to pay the new service fee in advance.

Employers should be sure to track the expiry dates of their foreign national employees’ residence permits and visas.

For advice and information on immigration to Morocco in general, please email us at enquiries@newlandchase.com

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Global Immigration Update – Monday 12th June 2017 https://newlandchase.com/global-immigration-update-monday-12th-june-2017/ https://newlandchase.com/global-immigration-update-monday-12th-june-2017/#respond Mon, 12 Jun 2017 13:55:16 +0000 https://test.newlandchase.com/?p=6429 In this week’s edition, we advise that stricter permanent residence requirements and new salary rules for the Pay Limit Scheme have been introduced in Denmark, and the MDEC has announced the reclassification of employment pass categories in Malaysia. We also bring you the latest immigration news from Morocco, Venezuela and Zambia.

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In this week’s edition, we advise that stricter permanent residence requirements and new salary rules for the Pay Limit Scheme have been introduced in Denmark, and the MDEC has announced the reclassification of employment pass categories in Malaysia. We also bring you the latest immigration news from Morocco, Venezuela and Zambia.

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MOROCCO: New Online Work Permit Application Platform https://newlandchase.com/morocco-new-online-work-permit-application-platform/ https://newlandchase.com/morocco-new-online-work-permit-application-platform/#respond Fri, 09 Jun 2017 15:39:50 +0000 https://test.newlandchase.com/?p=6403 Effective 1st June 2017, the Ministry of Labour in Morocco has made it mandatory to complete all work permit application forms electronically via a new online system called Taechir. Manual completion of application forms is no longer accepted. What has changed? All application forms must now be completed online. A tracking number is provided and […]

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Effective 1st June 2017, the Ministry of Labour in Morocco has made it mandatory to complete all work permit application forms electronically via a new online system called Taechir. Manual completion of application forms is no longer accepted.

What has changed?

All application forms must now be completed online. A tracking number is provided and notifications of approval, rejection or completion are sent by email.

The processing time for work permit approvals has already been reduced to two to three weeks, although this may change in the coming weeks.

What has not changed?

Applications still have to be submitted manually at Ministry of Labour with original forms and all required documents.

Application forms still need to be signed and legalised in Morocco (or authenticated by public notary and apostilled abroad).

Our advice

Employers in Morocco should be sure to use the new online application-filling system to prepare work permit applications.

For advice and information on Moroccan immigration, please email us at enquiries@newlandchase.com.

This information was provided by our sister company, Peregrine Immigration Management.

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