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.
International Updates
Israel | From Sunday, December 27, Israel will begin its third nationwide lockdown since the pandemic began. The lockdown is set to last for 14 days, pending cabinet approval.
Japan | New entry by nonresident foreign nationals from around the world is prohibited until late January. The government is calling this a precautionary step in response to the new virus strain.
Japanese citizens and foreign residents coming from regions where the new variant is confirmed will have to submit negative test results taken within 72 hours before departure and submit to testing on arrival.
The entry suspension will not apply to business travelers and students from 10 countries — including South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Russia | As of December 26, all persons arriving in Russia from the UK are now subject to 14-day self-isolation at the place of residence or stay in Russia.
The United States | On Wednesday, December 23, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) extended the flexibility of the requirements for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility due to ongoing COVID-19 precautions.
The temporary requirement flexibility has been extended to January 31, 2021. The requirements were first changed in March and extended throughout the year, with the latest extension previously set to expire on December 31.
This rule provision applies to employers and workplaces that are operating remotely due to COVID-19. E-Verify participants who meet the criteria should select the remote inspection process and follow the current guidance, as noted in the original release (March 20), and create cases for new hires within three business days of the date of hire.
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.