UK Travel update: all countries removed from the UK’s red list

• Seven remaining countries will be removed from the UK’s red list in line with public health advice.

• Red list and quarantine hotels will continue to operate as the UK’s first defence against incoming variants of concern (VOC), with reviews taking place every 3 weeks.

• Over 30 destinations added to inbound vaccinated arrivals system as we continue to safely reopen international travel.

From 4am on Monday 1 November, the remaining 7 destinations on the red list; Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela will be removed.

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EU - MEPs call for new EU rules on legal labour migration to respond to Europe’s demographic challenges and to effectively match immigrants’ skills with labour market needs

The European Union should offer third-country nationals new avenues for legal migration, ensure decent working conditions and end exploitation, says a report adopted by the Civil Liberties Committee today with 50 votes to 14 and 2 abstentions. 

This approach could generate considerable long-term positive gains for EU economies, say MEPs, who call on the Commission to submit by 31 January 2022 legislative proposals to facilitate and promote legal migration. 

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New Zealand - Support measures for COVID-19 related commercial rent issues pass into law

Temporary law changes have been passed in Parliament enabling landlords and commercial tenants to agree a fair proportion of rent relief where a business has suffered losses due to the impacts of COVID-19. 

“The provisions passed into law in the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Bill strike a balanced response to concerns from business operators worried about meeting full rental costs while their incomes have been hit by COVID-19 restrictions required to contain the spread of the virus,” the Minister of Justice Kris Faafoi said. 

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Singapore Extends Vaccinated Travel Lanes to Australia and Switzerland

Singapore will extend the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme to Australia and Switzerland for entry into Singapore on and after 8 November 2021, as part of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’s (CAAS’) cautious and step-by-step effort to revive air travel and reclaim and rebuild Singapore’s status as an international aviation hub with global connectivity. 

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HKSAR - Government adjusts COVID-19 vaccination requirements for inbound travellers

The Government announced October 26 that two COVID-19 vaccination requirements for inbound travellers will be adjusted from October 29. 

The two sets of requirements cover inbound travellers aged 12 to 17 who have received one dose of Comirnaty vaccine, and Hong Kong residents who have received one dose of recognised COVID-19 vaccine but are deemed unfit to receive the second dose because of health reasons. 

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

US - Biden Administration Releases Additional Detail for Implementing a Safer, More Stringent International Air Travel System

As we continue to work to protect people from COVID-19, today, the Biden Administration is releasing additional detail around implementation of the new international air travel policy requiring foreign national travelers to the United States to be fully vaccinated. 

This updated policy puts in place an international travel system that is stringent, consistent across the globe, and guided by public health. 

READ THE FACT SHEET HERE 

READ THE PRESS STATEMENT HERE

China - Govt to treat domestic, foreign suppliers equally in procurement

The Chinese government has pledged to equally treat suppliers from home and abroad in terms of government procurement, as it aims to safeguard a level playing field in accordance with the nation's foreign investment law and protect foreign companies' legal interests, the Ministry of Finance said on Oct 25. 

READ MORE HERE 

Singapore - Adjusting border measures and extending Vaccinated Travel Lanes

Entry of Fully Vaccinated Domestic Workers 

From 1 November 2021, necessary workers and students will be allowed to enter Singapore’s borders in a safe and calibrated manner on the condition that they are fully vaccinated before arrival.

More domestic workers will be allowed to enter Singapore, to meet urgent domestic and caregiving needs of local households. Their numbers will be regulated carefully.

Resumption of travel for more travellers

From 27 October 2021, all travellers with a 14-day travel history to Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka prior to departure to Singapore will be allowed to enter and transit through Singapore. These travellers will be subject to Category IV border measures. 

READ MORE HERE

Historic Free Trade Deal between New Zealand and United Kingdom

New Zealand and the United Kingdom have agreed in principle the details of a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA). 

READ THE NEW ZEALAND PRESS RELEASE HERE  

READ THE UNITED KINGDOM PRESS RELEASE HERE

Thailand - Cabinet nods to Flexible Plus Program for investments by foreigners

The Cabinet has approved in principle the proposed Flexible Plus Program aimed at attracting foreign investors.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul said the Cabinet in its weekly meeting approved the principle of the Flexible Plus Program proposed by the Ministry of Interior, aiming to provide special benefits to high-income foreigners seeking to invest in Thailand. 

READ THE NEWS HERE