Coronavirus Response and Guidance
EIG COVID-19 Update | October 2, 2020
With our mission to uncomplicate the complicated, we've always thought of our work in immigration as people-first. Our goal is for these updates to make sense of the changes happening across the world. Please share these updates with your colleagues who may find this information helpful, too.
Argentina | Official sources reported that the National Civil Aviation Administration authorized an American airline to carry out daily flights between Miami and Ezeiza as of October 7, 2020.
Case Update: 14,392 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/10/2 4:00 PM CEST
Canada | In an effort to further protect foreign workers, the Province of British Columbia is implementing a new registration requirement for B.C. Employers who wish to use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
As of December 15, 2020, any BC Employer who wishes to apply for an LMIA (regular or GTS) will first need a certificate of registration. The process is free and once approved, a certificate is valid for up to 3 years (at the discretion of the Director of Employment Standards). Certificates must be renewed before they expire. Even if the Employer usually uses LMIA exempt categories, it is recommended that they register so this process is behind them in case a LMIA is required.
In addition, if the employer is using a recruiter that is not an internal employee (recruiting only for the employer), they must only use licensed recruiters.
Case Update: 1,797 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/10/2 4:00 PM CEST
Japan | From October 1, valid COE holders and short-term business travelers from any country/region are allowed to apply for the consular visa, as long as the person is hosted by a company/entity that can assure compliance to quarantine requirements in Japan.
They are required to follow the procedures for Residence Track, i.e. for 14 days after the entry into Japan, the person needs to be in self-quarantine and no use of public transport is allowed. This applies to long-term residents and short-term business travelers alike.
Case Update: 652 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/10/2 4:00 PM CEST
Spain | The Spanish government has extended the Order from July 17 to October 31, amending the criteria for the application of the temporary non-essential travel restrictions from third countries to EU and Schengen associated countries due to COVID-19. The original update on this Order is here.
The list of countries exempted from the entry ban has not changed.
Thailand | The Thai Cabinet has extended the State Emergency Decree to October 31, 2020. The Immigration Bureau will extend the Amnesty visa period and allow automatic visa extension to be in force until October 31, 2020. Foreigners whose visas (ALL types of visa holders) have expired, will be eligible to receive the permission to obtain automatic visa extension until October 31, 2020 without penalty.
The visa Amnesty shall be applicable to foreigners whose visas were previously issued under Petroleum Act, BOI Act and IEAT Act. The proper extension must be made and completed before October 31, 2020 without penalty.
Foreign Tourists who wish to apply for a Special Tourist Visa must agree to quarantine for at least 14 days, follow local government guidance, have proof of accommodation, and be coming from a low-risk country as determined by the Ministry of Public Health. All travelers must have adequate health insurance and a negative COVID-19 test.
Case Update: 6 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/10/2 4:00 PM CEST
In February, weeks before the US implemented a coronavirus response, EIG attorney Yasmin Mirreh published an article in Law360 — Coronavirus And Immigration: Tips For The Global Employer. Now, in this week's Immigration Nerds podcast, Yasmin talks about what she's seen in the last almost seven months, what she hears from clients, and perspective moving forward.
We will continue to send updates daily or as more COVID-19-related news is available. If you have questions about anything we're reporting above or in past updates or want to hear more about a different topic, just reply to let us know. If you have specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.