IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Philippines has expanded travel restrictions to and from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau because of the coronavirus.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals will not be able to travel to and enter the Philippines from Mainland China or the Special Administrative Regions. Additionally, Filipinos are banned from traveling to the aforementioned regions. Exempt nationals traveling from these regions will be subject to quarantine.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing. The change went into effect Feb. 2.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals entering the Philippines from Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau.
  • Impact on business: Companies will need to adjust business schedules for employees traveling from Mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau.
  • Additional information: Last week, the Philippines announced a temporary ban limiting travel from Hubei Province and suspended visas upon arrival to all Chinese nationals in response to the outbreak. The temporary travel ban was subsequently extended to all Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. Under the new restrictions, all travelers nationals, other Filipino nationals and permanent residence visa holders, coming directly from or who have visited Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau in the last 14 days are not permitted to enter the Philippines. Filipino nationals and permanent residents who have visited Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau within 14 days of arrival will be subject to quarantine. Filipino nationals are not permitted at this time to travel to Mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should note the temporary travel ban and reconsider filing immigration applications for workers from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau until the ban is lifted. Deloitte will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available.

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