Immigration news updates for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
Cambodia: Covid-19 update
Non-vaccinated travelers are no longer required to complete any pre-departure testing but will be required to take a Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test administered by an officer of the Ministry of Health (MOH) upon entry. If tested negative, no quarantine is required however, if tested positive and the traveler only shows mild symptoms, the traveler may quarantine at their place of residence or at a place designated by the MOH.
If the traveler shows severe symptoms, they must be treated at a hospital which provides Covid-19 treatment. All costs for treatment must be borne by the individual.
Vaccinated Travelers: Prior to arrival, fully vaccinated travelers must obtain a Vaccination Card/Certificate evidencing complete vaccination. Upon arrival, fully vaccinated travelers will no longer be required to undergo a Covid-19 Rapid Test. There are no quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs .
China: Additional travelers granted permission to enter
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) card holders and foreign students will now be able to enter China without having to apply for a separate special permission to enter. From August 24, foreign nationals holding APEC business travel cards can seek to enter China to conduct business activities without having to apply for a new visa. Previously, APEC card holders were required to apply for a special permission to enter China. APEC card holders may now also seek to enter China for business reasons by applying for an M business visa if no valid visa is currently held.
In addition, foreign nationals currently holding student residence permits can now also return to the country without having to apply for a new visa. Applications for a new X1 or a new S1/S2 visa will now also be accepted by the Chinese visa application centers.
Any individual making plans to travel to China will still be required to adhere to all current Covid entry requirements.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Chinese Government (available in Chinese).
Singapore: Update on travel restrictions
Non-fully vaccinated Long Term Pass holders (LTPH) and short-term visitors aged 13 and above are generally not allowed to enter Singapore, with the following exceptions:
- LTPHs medically ineligible for vaccines; aged 13 to 17, subject to the appropriate measures; and
- LTPHs and short-term visitors with other valid entry approval (e.g. for compassionate reasons, etc.)
Given the increased availability of vaccines globally for those aged between 13 to 17, all LTPHs aged 13 and above arriving from July 1, 2022, will be required to be fully vaccinated prior to entry into Singapore, unless medically ineligible for vaccines.
From August 29, 2022:
- Long Term Pass holders and short-term visitors aged 13 and above who are not fully vaccinated will no longer be required to obtain pre-entry approval.
- Non-fully vaccinated travelers will no longer be required to serve the seven-day SHN (Stay Home Notice), including the required PCR test upon exiting SHN.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Ministry of Health.
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).Â
Europe, Middle East and Africa
United Kingdom: Expansion of digital compliance check methods
The U.K. government has updated the guidance for the Sponsor License Holders with different types of compliance assessments. New terms such as ‘Digital Compliance Inspections’, ‘Compliance Check’ and ‘Compliance Visit’ has been defined to clarify the methods to complete the assessments of Sponsor License Holders. Going forward, the compliance check will include virtual interviews and desktop audits. As such, businesses must be aware of the Sponsor License Holder obligations, so they meet the audit standards.
 This summary was prepared using information obtained from Gov.uk.
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 Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Director).
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