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
China | The Civil Aviation Administration posted to its website that passengers on inbound flights must provide negative COVID-19 test results, taken within the last five days, before boarding.
Case Update: 74 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/7/22 5:00 PM CEST
Hong Kong | After a spike in cases, it is now mandatory to wear masks on public transportation and inside. These measures will be in place until August 5.
Nepal | International flights will resume on August 17, nearly four months after suspending them in March.
Case Update: 150 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/7/22 5:00 PM CEST
Qatar | From August 1, Qatar will begin to reopen its borders for permanent residents, citizens, and foreign travelers. Individuals arriving in Qatar will be required to take a coronavirus test at the airport and sign a document to agree to quarantine at home for a week.
Case Update: 393 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/7/22 5:00 PM CEST
Switzerland | The government has added Bosnia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eswatini, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Maldives, Mexico, Montenegro, the Palestinian territories, Suriname and the United Arab Emirates to its watch list.
Individuals traveling from these countries must quarantine themselves for 10 days.
Case Update: 108 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/7/22 5:00 PM CEST
Ukraine | President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that tourists from Australia, New Zealand, and several Arab states would be able to travel to Ukraine without a visa from August 1. This visa-free arrangement applies to travelers whose trip does not exceed 90 days.
Case Update: 829 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/7/22 5:00 PM CEST
The United Kingdom | As of July 27, 2020, the United States Embassy in London and as of August 3, 2020, the United States Consulate General in Belfast are resuming certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services, including immigrant visas for spouses and children of U.S. citizens; F-1 and M-1 student visa categories. The MRV fee is valid and may be used to schedule an interview appointment in the country where it was purchased within one year of the date of payment.
Applicants for H1B, H2B, H4, L, and certain J categories covered by Presidential Proclamation 10052 should request an appointment only if you have reason to believe you may qualify for one of the exceptions listed in the Proclamation.
Due to processing backlogs, there is likely to be long wait times.
Case Update: 445 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/7/22 5:00 PM CEST
Zimbabwe | The government is enforcing a dusk-to-dawn curfew beginning Wednesday.
Case Update: 107 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/7/22 5:00 PM CEST
In a settlement on Tuesday, July 14, DHS and ICE rescinded the policy which would have threatened the visa status for tens of thousands of students. In a conversation with the Immigration Nerds podcast, Erickson Immigration Group Managing Director Hiba Anver shares the significance of this victory and what may be in store for university students next.
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.