IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Uruguay has expanded its vaccination requirement to include short-term work permit applicants.

What does the change mean? Applicants must submit proof that they have been vaccinated against measles, tetanus and other diseases deemed mandatory by the Ministry of Public Health. The rule originally only covered foreign nationals who were applying for residence.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate.
  • Visas/permits affected: Short-term work permits (“hoja de identidad provisoria”).
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals applying for short-term work permits.
  • Business impact: Applicants should factor in additional time to obtain the necessary vaccines or vaccination records.

Background: A decree earlier this month by the Ministry of Public Health required that foreign nationals applying for temporary or permanent residence (i.e., staying longer than 180 days) show proof of mandatory vaccinations. At the time, short-term work authorization applicants were excluded from the decree, but authorities have now issued a second decree expanding the requirement to foreign workers in the country for short-term assignments. A recent outbreak of measles among nine countries in the Americas prompted the decrees.

BAL Analysis: Short-term work authorization applicants should plan to obtain vaccination records in their country of origin. The records must cover all vaccines that are mandatory in Uruguay for the individual’s age.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Uruguay. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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