ICYMI: immigration and the end of Covid-19 measures

Travel and relocation are inherently unpredictable processes that can be influenced by a variety of external events. As the world becomes more interconnected, it is more important than ever to stay informed about the latest events and developments that could affect your global mobility program. In this post, we'll explore some of the most significant events that have impacted (or will be impacting) travel and relocation globally. Whether you're a frequent traveler, an expat preparing for a move, or someone running a global mobility program, these valuable insights and information should help you to navigate the ever-changing landscape.

1. Singapore: Per AIRINC, as Singapore's expatriate population has grown, demand for expat housing has also increased, and supply of properties has become even more limited. Landlords have the upper hand in this market, and bidding wars among renters are common. Additionally, BAL reports that the Singaporean government has planned some upcoming changes to its work pass framework to attract more highly skilled foreign nationals. Beginning Sept. 1st, 2023, the new COMPASS system will evaluate work visa applications on a points-based system using four main categories: salary, qualifications, diversity, and support for local employment. Applicants can receive bonus points if the job is on the skills shortages list or if their company partners with the government on strategic economic priorities.
2. Colombia: The country has rolled out a new digital nomad visa to attract talent to work locally. Its visa scheme opened to applications last month and now the country is hoping to highlight the benefits of moving there. Colombia is in the same time zone as some eastern US states - ideal if you work on US hours.
3. United States: Last week President Biden signed into law the end of the national state of emergency around Covid-19, ending pandemic measures that have been in effect since March 2020. This occurred a month earlier than the Biden administration had planned. A separate public health emergency tied to Covid will remain until May 11th. Because of this change, specific relocation or assignment related expenses will no longer be able to be identified as non-taxable "Covid emergency" expenses. 
   U.S. passport backlogs are also affecting travel and immigration. It takes 10 to 13 weeks to process a passport application, according to the U.S. State Department. But travelers and passport experts say it's now dragging on for 15 to 18 weeks, once you take mailing times into account. Turns out there are a lot of ways to get around the passport logjam, from using a courier service, to expediting your passport, to contacting your elected representative. But it can become an issue and add stress. Be sure to encourage U.S. employees to have passports with proper validity before arranging any travel overseas.
4. Canada: Per Fragomen: Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), Canada’s largest public sector union representing over 150,000 public employees, started a strike on April 19, 2023. As a result, most services provided by the government of Canada are now fully or partially disrupted, including most immigration services provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), and Passport Canada. The strike could also result in longer wait times at Canadian ports of entry, including airports and land crossings. Employers and foreign nationals should submit necessary immigration applications early to prepare for potential delays.
5. France: The country has a few issues creating potential "issues". First, France's Constitutional Council will give its verdict on whether the government's plans to increase the retirement age are in line with constitutional rules. This has triggered massive protests. Then, very low groundwater levels have put France on course for a worse summer drought than last year.
6. Italy: BAL notes that the Italian government has reported an increase in new and renewal passport applications, causing delays across the country. As of April 13th, passport renewal appointments are not available at every passport office throughout the country; other offices are reporting delays of up to nine months.
7. United Kingdom: Per Erickson Immigration Group, England has ended all Covid-19 travel restrictions as of April 4th. Previously, travelers from China were required to quarantine, complete a UK traveler locator form, and present a negative Covid test. All of these regulations have ended for all travelers, regardless of vaccination status.
8. Japan: Starting May 8th, 2023, travelers entering Japan will no longer need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test. Japan has also implemented an Electronic Short Term Tourism Visa which allows travelers from eleven countries (Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States) to travel to Japan for a maximum stay of 90 days. This visa can only be used once and is applied for online. 
9. Australia: Per Air Animal: there are new pet entry rules for Australia. The new rules require two pet identity declarations by two different U.S. Department of Agriculture-accredited veterinarians. Those declarations have to be sent to the USDA electronically. Then the USDA provides the pet identity declaration certificate. “Not all veterinarians are USDA-accredited. Setting up two veterinary appointments for a pet at the start of the process can be tough without guidance from the pet’s regular veterinarian or an experienced pet shipper. 
10. Germany: Changes to the skilled immigration act have been approved to attract more foreign workers to Germany. An updated version of the Act allows a higher number of “third country citizens” to come more easily to Germany. “The changes include broader availability of the EU Blue Card to specialists with a university degree, abolition of recognition procedures for professional qualifications and the introduction of a new Job Seeker visa for people wishing to visit the country to scout for a job in their field, amongst other changes,” states KPMG.

Lastly, Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) is the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. According to BAL, the holiday is also known as Ramazan Bayrami in Turkey, Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore, and Korité or Tabaski in West Africa. Employers should anticipate delays because of the holiday and may need to adjust timelines and start dates. Companies may wish to contact their immigration provider for individual country and consular schedules. Expect the following government office closures: Indonesia (April 19-25), Kuwait (April 21-25), Malaysia (April 21-24), Qatar (April 21-25), Singapore (April 21-22), Turkey (April 20-21) and UAE (April 20-23).