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
Australia | The government extended its ban on cruise ship visits until September 17. The ban has been in place since March 27.
Case Update: 2 new cases, -9 daily change, Last updated: 2020/5/22, 6:00 PM CEST
Bulgaria | The government has suspended the ban on entry from visitors from the European Union and Schengen visa zone.
Case Update: 41 new cases, 2 daily change, Last updated: 2020/5/22, 6:00 PM CEST
Cyprus | The crossing points that allow Cypriots to cross between the Turkish and Greek sides will gradually reopen beginning on June 8. The shutdown in Cyprus began on February 29.
Case Update: 1 new cases, -3 daily change, Last updated: 2020/5/22, 6:00 PM CEST
Japan | Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ended the state of emergency in Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo provinces. Other areas’ state of emergency ended earlier this month. Prime Minister Abe will meet with experts on Monday to determine if or when the state of emergency in Tokyo and surrounding areas could end as early as next week.
Case Update: 89 new cases, 50 daily change, Last updated: 2020/5/22, 6:00 PM CEST
New Zealand | Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern proposed a four-day workweek as a measure to promote domestic tourism.
Case Update: 1 new case, 1 daily change, Last updated: 2020/5/22, 6:00 PM CEST
Serbia | The government will start reopening borders, allowing entry to all travelers without a once-mandatory coronavirus test, special government commission, or isolation period. Serbia’s border closed on March 15.
Case Update: 86 new cases, -14 daily change, Last updated: 2020/5/22, 6:00 PM CEST
Scotland | First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the nationwide lockdown will gradually lessen starting May 28 and continue in three-week intervals subject to the progress in controlling the virus.
Thailand | The nationwide state of emergency will continue until the end of June.
Case Update: 3 new cases, 2 daily change, Last updated: 2020/5/22, 6:00 PM CEST
The United Kingdom | The Home Office has published guidance extending the in-country switching provision until July 31. Individuals whose visas are due to expire between January 24 — July 31, 2020, will be able to apply from within the UK to switch to a long-term UK visa until July 31. This includes applications where they would usually need to apply for a visa from their home country.
Case Update: 2,615 new cases, 3,140 daily change, Last updated: 2020/5/22, 6:00 PM CEST
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more stories about the lack of appropriate and swift care at immigration detention centers are coming out. In this week’s Immigration Nerds podcast, Christopher Casazza tells the story of one of those cases and brings a better context to what is happening on a national level.
The Immigration Nerds podcast shares stories at the cross-section of immigration news and policy updates, business, culture, travel, developing trends, 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.