Impact – Hi
What is the change? In response to the international coronavirus outbreak, the Home Minister released a policy document on Monday offering temporary concessions to Chinese citizens in the country.
What does the change mean? Chinese citizens who hold visitor visas, in-company transfer visas, or temporary residential visas that expire soon may be eligible to apply for a visa to remain in the country.
Implementation time frame: Immediate and continuous. Visas/permissions affected: Visitor visa, in-company transfer visa, temporary residential visa. Business Impact: Chinese citizens can avoid expiration of their visa if they are eligible for one concession. Next Step: Companies should explain national employees in China and assess the eligibility of concessions.
Background: Since the coronavirus outbreak in December, many countries have imposed travel restrictions on Chinese citizens, and many airlines have cancelled flights to China, which oversees travelers around the world. All inbound travelers from China to South Africa will be heat screened upon arrival. If a fever screening or medical survey raises a red flag, medical personnel on-site will conduct further testing. If the exam indicates that the individual remains a concern, the individual will be taken to the nearest hospital for further testing and treatment.
Chinese citizens already in South Africa may apply for concessions with the following visas:
A transfer visa for work within the company. Chinese citizens who are due to expire within the next six months (by July 31, 2020) have retained Section 11(2) approval of the visitor's visa. Changes in status or changes in conditions are not permitted. Visitor visa. Chinese citizens who have reached maximum validity and hold visas for visitors that are not normally permitted to be renewed will be permitted to reapply for the same visa and the same conditions for up to three months. Changes to status or conditions are not permitted. Temporary residential visa. Chinese citizens who hold temporary residential visas that have an expiration date between December 1, 2019 and February 29, 2020 will be permitted to apply for renewal without requiring the form 20 permission that they have initially legalized their status.
Analysis and Comments: Companies with national employees in China who are eligible for concessions should apply for a visa or renewal as soon as possible. Employers and employees must also be aware of the procedures for all inbound travelers from China to South Africa.
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