EIG COVID-19 Update | April 29, 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 emails to make sense of the changes happening across the world. Please share these updates with your colleagues who may find this information helpful, too.

International Updates

Azerbaijan | The country’s borders will remain closed until May 31.
Case Update: 33 new cases, 5 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/29, 9:00 PM CEST

Cyprus | The nationwide lockdown will begin to lift on May 4 and movement restrictions will be lifted on May 21.
Case Update: 5 new cases, -2 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/29, 9:00 PM CEST

Pakistan | The government has introduced a “Test, Trace and Quarantine” system to allow for the safe and timely reopening of the economy. During the month of Ramadan, April 23 – May 23, the Pakistan government has allowed for congregating at mosques.
Case Update: 164 new cases, -554 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/29, 9:00 PM CEST

Spain | Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Spain’s four-phase approach to lift the nationwide lockdown in an effort to return to normal by the end of June. Spain has been under lockdown since March 14.
Case Update: 1,831 new cases,13,961 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/29, 9:00 PM CEST

Switzerland | Beginning May 11, the current border restrictions will begin to lift.
Case Update: 103 new cases, 103 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/29, 9:00 PM CEST

The UK | The UK Home Office has issued guidance for those who have been unable to enter the UK due to COVID-19 but have an expired 30-day entry Visa that is issued to those entering the country to activate a work permit.

The Home Office’s guidance for visa applicants and temporary UK residents now says that applicants can request a replacement visa with revised validity dates free of charge. This service will be available until the end of 2020.

To request a replacement, visa applicants need to email the Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre at CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk with their name, nationality, date of birth, and GWF reference number with ‘REPLACEMENT 30 DAY VISA’ in the subject line. When the visa application centers reopen, the Home Office will contact applicants to arrange for a replacement visa to be placed in their passport.
Case Update: 4,309 new cases, -154 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/29, 9:00 PM CEST

Listen to the latest Erickson Immigration Group Immigration Nerds podcast on President Trump’s executive order proclamation, who will be impacted, and for how long. We’re continuing to share stories at the cross-section of immigration, culture, travel, and, for now, the coronavirus. If you have stories to share, we want to hear from you.

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.