Immigration updates for Botswana, China and Indonesia
Asia-Pacific
China: Transit double-negative tests available at Helsinki Airport
A health testing point is available in Helsinki-Vantaa airport’s international transit area for flights to China. Transit passengers from other countries can apply for the required nucleic acid and IgM antibody tests from the testing point. Passengers are strongly recommended to inquire airlines for testing reservations in advance of their flight to Finland.
Passengers to China must take nucleic acid and IgM anti-body tests within 48 hours of boarding. Transit passengers with negative test results can board the flight directly. The green HS code or Health Declaration Form will not be required.
Test results could take hours to formulate and the sampling period is limited. Passengers are strongly advised to confirm the testing procedure with the airline and arrange their itinerary accordingly. Failure to obtain a negative test will result in not qualifying for boarding.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Chinese Embassy.
Issuance of PU Invitation Letters and entry visas for suspended dependents
Dependents of Chinese citizens and residents have been unable to secure the necessary paperwork or visa to enter China, and only the primary employee is allowed into the country.
We’re currently seeing the following denials:
PU letter denial
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- Tianjin – no PU Letters to be issued at all
- Beijing and Shanghai – dependents can no longer be included in a PU Invitation Letter
Visa denial
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- United States – dependent family members denied an entry visa despite being included in a PU Letter
- Netherlands – dependent spouse denied an entry visa despite being included in a PU Letter
- Hong Kong – confirmation from the visa center that dependents will not be issued an entry visa even with a PU Letter
- Singapore – advice that Q visas (issued to foreign national dependents of Chinese citizens) will no longer be issued
It is unclear if dependents will be allowed to apply for entry visas if they are able to present a PU Letter alongside a Notification Letter. It is very challenging to obtain an entry visa without a PU Letter. One successful case was because the applicant was relocating to China and had a Chinese spouse. However, this will need approval from consul officials.
No source available at the time of writing.
Indonesia: Introduction of the E visa
The Indonesian Government has introduced an electronic online system “E Visa’’ to help streamline the entry visa process. This will benefit most visas including entry visas for work permit holders, dependent and business visas.
The Indonesian eVisa will initially be limited to travelers from countries that have established a travel corridor agreement with Indonesia.
Travel corridor/reciprocal green lane arrangements have now been created to allow essential trips. Currently, China, South Korea and the UAE have reached an agreement with the Indonesian government, with Singapore likely to join the list shortly.
To enter the country, eligible foreign nationals must apply for a visa exclusively using the online system.
It is expected that the online visa will be made available to citizens of more countries next year.
Improved processing
Benefits will include a simplified and quicker work permit process. The E visa email will replace the conversion of a pre-approval visa label in the passport. Foreign nationals applying for a work permit from locations where the Indonesian Embassy is not present, or is not able to issue visa labels, will no longer need to travel to another country or city to obtain their visa.
New process:
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- Visa will be sent to your email, as well as the sponsor’s.
- You will not be required to collect the visa at the Indonesian Embassy or Representative Overseas.
- You will not meet the officer while applying for the visa.
- Once the e-Visa is granted and received, travel to Indonesia is possible.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Jane Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager (APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Botswana: Lifting of international travel ban
Air travel has resumed at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Kasane International Airport and Maun International Airport.
From December 1, 2020, international air travel will resume at Phillip G. Matante International Airport in Francistown. Ground crossing will resume at the commercial border points of; Kazungula road, Kazungula ferry, Ngoma, Ramokgwebana, Martins Drift, Ramatlabama, Tlokweng, Mamuno, Pioneer Gate and Mohembo.
This is summary was prepared using information obtained from All Africa.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Laxmi Vikraman, Regional Immigration Manager (EMEA).
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