Erickson Immigration Group continues to provide country by country updates with the various COVID-19 developments impacting global immigration and global travel. Past updates are available here.
Please consider sharing this email with colleagues and peers who would benefit from this information. We’re all in this together.
International Updates
China | The government has suspended cross-border transportation, closed ports, and restricted exits out of the country at the border between China and Vietnam in the Guangxi region.
The Czech Republic | Officials said the government was evaluating and considering lessening the lockdown restrictions across the country.
Germany | The Interior Ministry has drafted a plan with a number of public health measures, such as mandatory face masks in public, limits on gatherings, and infection tracing with the aim of a phased approach to normal life when its lockdown ends on April 19.
The infection tracking is set to identify upwards of 80% of people in contact with an infected person within 24 hours of their new diagnosis. Infected people and those they were in contact with would be quarantined at home or in hotels.
Japan | On Monday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced the government would declare a state of emergency on Tuesday for Tokyo, Osaka, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Hyogo, and Fukuoka, which is expected to last for a month. Additionally, Abe announced an economic stimulus package of 108 trillion yen ($989bn). The package would need to be confirmed on Tuesday.
Singapore | The Health Ministry has announced that nearly 20,000 foreign resident workers in two dormitories will be quarantined for 14 days. The “isolation areas” have onsite medical care, food, and essential supplies.
The government is issuing its third economic stimulus package; this one is 5.1 billion Singapore dollars ($3.6bn). The three packages equal approximately 12% of Singapore’s GDP.
UAE | The United Arab Emirates will waive residency visa fines for the rest of the year.
The UK | Over the weekend, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was hospitalized due to symptoms related to the coronavirus. At around 7 PM GMT, Johnson was transferred to the ICU as a precaution in case he would need ventilation. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will temporarily fulfill Mr. Johnson’s duties while he is hospitalized.
EIG’s Immigration Nerds podcast is sharing stories at the cross-section of immigration, culture, travel, and for now, the coronavirus. If you have stories to share, let us know by replying to this email so you can be part of these stories.
We will continue to send updates daily or as more COVID-19-related news is available. We recognize this situation continues to evolve; if you have specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.