Wednesday, December 29, 2021

United States - The travel restrictions imposed by Proclamation 10315 are no longer necessary

It is in the interests of the United States to revoke Proclamation 10315.  The travel restrictions imposed by that proclamation are no longer necessary to protect the public health.

Section 1.  Revocation.  Proclamation 10315 is revoked.

Sec. 3.  Effective Date.  This proclamation is effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on December 31, 2021. 

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Singapore - Resumption of Travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe / Vaccination as a Condition for New Applications for and Renewal of Long-Term Passes, Work Passes and Permanent Residence From 1 February 2022

Singapore had previously announced that long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to Botswana, Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Singapore or transit through Singapore for a period of four weeks following initial reports on Omicron cases in these countries/regions. 

The Omicron variant has since spread widely around the world. We will therefore lift the travel ban for these countries, and place them under the Category IV classification.  This means that all passengers with 14-day travel history to Botswana, Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe prior to departure to Singapore will be allowed to enter and transit through Singapore from 26 December 2021, 2359 hours, and will be subjected to border measures for Category IV countries/regions. 

To sustain our high vaccination rates, we had earlier introduced the requirement for long-term pass holders to be vaccinated as an entry requirement to Singapore. This has been in place since 1 November 2021. 

From 1 February 2022, COVID-19 vaccination will be a condition for the approval or grant of new long-term passes, work passes, as well as permanent residence. Vaccination will also be required when renewing existing work passes. 


Thursday, December 23, 2021

Singapore - The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to Manage Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) Inflow to Mitigate Omicron Risk

Given the rapid spread of the Omicron variant overseas, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will take proactive and preemptive steps to manage the inflow of Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) travellers and mitigate the risk to the Singapore community, while observing and assessing the emerging situation. 

Additional safeguards will also be implemented to protect frontline airport workers and air crew.  

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Singapore - The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) had introduced travel restrictions for affected countries/regions and enhanced our testing regime for travellers, including those arriving via the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs)

In response to the emergence of the Omicron variant globally, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) had introduced travel restrictions for affected countries/regions and enhanced our testing regime for travellers, including those arriving via the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs). 

UK - Some of the temporary Customs and VAT easements introduced on 1 January 2021 for goods moving between Great Britain and the EU will be removed on 1 January 2022

Businesses trading with the European Union (EU) have less than a month to get ready for new import and exports customs controls which come into force from 1 January 2022.

Taiwan ROC - Foreign Profit-seeking Business Entities With Any Fixed Places of Business Within Our Territory Selling Services Shall File and Pay Business Tax

The National Taxation Bureau of Taipei, Ministry of Finance (NTBT) expressed that, for any foreign profit-seeking business entities with any fixed places of business in the territory selling services to their domestic business entities, the fixed places of business shall issue uniform invoices, and file and pay business tax in accordance with the law.

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

New Zealand - Phased border re-opening pushed out to the end of February 2022

  • The interval between the second dose and the booster shot reduced from 6 months to 4 months
  • Over 82 per cent of vaccinated New Zealanders eligible for a booster by end of Feb 2022
  • Eligible border and health workers required to get booster dos
  • Pre-departure test requirement to enter NZ reduced from 72 hours to 48 hours before travel
  • Phased border re-opening pushed out to the end of February
  • Temporary change to MIQ – length of stay increased to 10 days for all travellers, with no self-isolation component
  • Everyone on an international flight with a positive case to be treated as a close contact
  • All countries removed from Very High Risk country list
  • Cabinet confirms decision to roll out paediatric doses of Pfizer for 5-11s. Rollout to start from 17 January prior to school returning in 2022
  • Cabinet confirms use of traffic light system to manage outbreak and in the event of Omicron outbreaks areas will move into the red traffic light setting 

Friday, December 17, 2021

Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it would be implementing the updated policy on the country’s green, yellow, and red lists

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it would be implementing the updated policy on the country’s green, yellow, and red lists. 

In an advisory, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente shared that 41 countries have been included in the Philippine’s green list, as set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases 

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Italy - Singapore in list E of third countries from December 16 to January 31, 2022. Entry only allowed for specific reasons

According to the attached Ordinance of the Ministry of Health dated December 14, 2021, valid from December 16, 2021 to January 31, 2022, Singapore and Brunei are in the list E of third countries.
Entry into Italy from these countries does not require any authorization from the Ministry of Health but is allowed only for specific reasons:
a) work
b) health reasons
c) study reasons
d) absolute urgency
e) return to one's domicile, home, or residence. 

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

UK - 11 countries removed from the UK’s red list from 4am Wednesday 15 December

Government announces all 11 countries on the UK red list will be removed from 4am Wednesday 15 December as Omicron spreads in countries around the world.

  • Pre-departure tests and PCR testing measures on or before day 2 remain in place, with a review of all travel measures in the new year
  • Change comes as the government calls on all adults to come forward and Get Boosted Now

As the Health Secretary set out earlier today, Ministers have agreed to remove all 11 remaining countries from the UK’s red list from 4am 15 December, following review of the latest risk assessment from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). 

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

HKSAR - Tighter inbound travel rules set (Mauritius and Sierra Leone will be listed as Group A specified places from 15 December 2021)

The Government today announced that in view of the detection of Omicron cases, Mauritius and Sierra Leone will be listed as Group A specified places from next Wednesday.

Non-Hong Kong residents who have stayed in these places within 21 days will not be allowed to enter the city, the Government elaborated. 


Monday, December 13, 2021

New Zealand - New border exception to support rapidly growing tech sector

Border class exceptions for 600 much-needed specialist tech workers have been announced by the Minister for the Digital Economy and Communications, Dr David Clark.

“The sector is now one of our top three exporters, and jobs in tech have been growing at twice the rate of the general economy. It has continued to expand during the COVID-19 pandemic, placing pressure on the demand for talent,” David Clark said. 

Canada - New measures to help companies meet their diversity and inclusion targets

Equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to Canada’s economy, both now and in the future. 

When their senior executives are reflective of Canada’s diversity, businesses and organizations of all sizes benefit. 

The Government of Canada believes that corporate Canada should look like Canada and that bringing broader perspectives and talents to decision-making bodies is essential to building back a stronger and more resilient country. 

Vietnam - Guide to grant of work permit to foreigners

 Read the GUIDE on granting of work permit to foreigners.

Wednesday, December 08, 2021

Malaysia - Mandatory 7 days quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers (or 10 days for unvaccinated) from Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Norway and France

Following the infection of the Omicron (B. variant 1.1.259) worldwide some new control, prevention and protocols have been updated effective 8 December 2021.

The EU and Singapore agree to strengthen bilateral partnership on digital trade

European Commission Executive Vice-President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis and Singapore Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations S Iswaran co-chaired the inaugural Trade Committee meeting under the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA), which entered into force on 21 November 2019. 

HKSAR - Tighter arrival rules set )Argentina, Croatia, Fiji and Latvia will be specified as Group A specified places from December 10)

The Government today announced that Argentina, Croatia, Fiji and Latvia will be specified as Group A specified places from December 10 and non-Hong Kong residents who have stayed in such places within 21 days are not be allowed to enter the city. 


US - The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues guidance regarding the retroactive termination of the Employee Retention Credit

The Internal Revenue Service issued guidance for employers regarding the retroactive termination of the Employee Retention Credit. 

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was enacted on November 15, 2021, amended the law so that the Employee Retention Credit applies only to wages paid before October 1, 2021, unless the employer is a recovery startup business. 

Tuesday, December 07, 2021

UK - Tests required before travel to UK and Nigeria added to red list

Nigeria to be added to travel red list from 6 December and people travelling to UK from any country will need to take pre-departure test from 7 December.

  • Nigeria to be added to the travel red list from 4am Monday 6 December following 21 cases of Omicron reported in England which are linked to travel from this country, with 134 UK cases now reported in total

  • In light of emerging evidence on the Omicron variant, from 4am on Tuesday 7 December anyone aged 12 and above wishing to travel to the UK will need to show a negative pre-departure test (LFD or PCR) as close as possible to departure and not more than 48 hours before to slow the importation of the new variant

  • Government working at pace to expand Managed Quarantine Service capacity, but passengers are advised that hotel bookings may be limited as new hotels are onboarded

  • These are temporary measures that have been introduced to prevent further Omicron cases from entering the UK, and will be examined at the three-week review point on 20 December 

READ MORE HERE

Saturday, December 04, 2021

Singapore - Strengthening Precautionary Measures Against The Omicron Variant

To further step up our precautionary stance amidst growing transmissions of Omicron globally, we will extend travel restrictions to more countries which have seen a spike in Omicron cases. 

From 4 December 2021, 2359 hours, all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to Ghana, Malawi and Nigeria within the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter Singapore, or transfer/ transit through Singapore. 

Friday, December 03, 2021

New Zealand - Applications open for new 2021 Resident Visa

The first round of applications for New Zealand’s new 2021 Resident visa are now open.

“This one-off pathway provides certainty for a great many migrant families who have faced disruption because of COVID-19 and it will help retain the skills New Zealand businesses need to support the economic recovery,” Minister of Immigration Kris Faafoi said.

Thursday, December 02, 2021

HKSAR - Arrival rules to be tightened

The Government announced today that Japan, Portugal and Sweden will be specified as Group A specified places from December 3 and non-Hong Kong residents who have stayed in such places within 21 days are not allowed to enter the city. 


Wednesday, December 01, 2021

Singapore - On-arrival PCR Test for All Travellers and Additional Antigen Rapid Tests for Travellers on Vaccinated Travel Lanes

To step up detection and containment of the Omicron variant until more information is available, Singapore will enhance our testing protocols for travellers arriving in Singapore after 2 December 2021, 2359 hours (Singapore time)

These enhanced measures will apply for four weeks in the first instance, and will be reviewed and extended if necessary. 

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Australia - Pause to further easing of border restrictions

On the basis of medical advice provided by the Chief Medical Officer of Australia, Professor Paul Kelly, the National Security Committee has taken the necessary and temporary decision to pause the next step to safely reopen Australia to international skilled and student cohorts, as well as humanitarian, working holiday maker and provisional family visa holders from 1 December until 15 December. 

Japan - Strengthening border measures will be suspended until December 31, 2021

Based on the "New Measures for Strengthening Border Measures (20)" dated November 29, 3rd year of Reiwa, "New Measures for Strengthening Border Measures (19)" shall be suspended until December 31 as follows. have become. 

Monday, November 29, 2021

Singapore - Updates on Border Measures For Travellers

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has been closely monitoring the global COVID-19 situation and regularly reviews Singapore’s border measures to manage the risk of importation from travellers and onward local transmission. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Omicron (B.1.1.529) as a variant of concern. As a precautionary measure to reduce the risks of importation and spread, we will defer the launch of our Vaccinated Travel Lanes with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 



Friday, November 26, 2021

United Kingdom - Six African countries added to red list to protect public health as UK designates new Variant under Investigation

  • From midday Friday 26 November, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia will be added to the UK’s travel red list
  • Passengers arriving from 4am Sunday in England will be required to book and pay for a government-approved hotel quarantine facility for 10 days
  • British nationals arriving from these six countries between midday Friday and 4am Sunday, and who have been in these countries within the last 10 days, must quarantine at home for 10 days and take NHS PCR tests on Day 2 and Day 8, even if they already have a lateral flow test booking
  • Direct flights from the six countries will be banned from midday Friday until hotel quarantine is up and running from 4am Sunday 28 November
  • Precautionary move follows designation of a new Variant under Investigation by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) 
READ MORE HERE

 

Scotland - Self-isolation for all travellers returning from six African countries

All travellers returning to Scotland from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Botswana will be required to self-isolate and take two PCR tests from 12:00 on Friday (26 November), regardless of their vaccination status.

Managed Quarantine accommodation will be stood up to cater for any arrivals from these countries. This will apply to all arrivals from 04:00 on Saturday (27 November). 

Thursday, November 25, 2021

Canada - There’s a new regulator of immigration and citizenship consultants. What does this mean?

On November 23, 2021, the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants officially opened. 

The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants is now the official regulator of immigration and citizenship consultants across Canada. 

This means that if you’re paying or planning to pay for services by an immigration or citizenship consultant, they must be licensed under the College. 

South Korea - C-3-4 Short Term Business Visa

Want to know more about C-3-4 Short Term Business Visa? 

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Reconnecting New Zealand – the next steps

  • Fully vaccinated Kiwis and other eligible travellers can travel to NZ from Australia without staying in MIQ from 11.59pm Sunday, 16 January 2022

  • Fully vaccinated Kiwis and other eligible travellers can travel to NZ from all other countries from 11.59pm Sunday, 13 February 2022

  • All fully vaccinated individuals will be able to travel to NZ from 30 April 2022 onwards, with the re-opening staged over time 

  • The Very High-Risk classification for Indonesia, Fiji, India, Pakistan and Brazil will be removed early next month

Fully vaccinated New Zealanders will find it easier to come home from January 2022, with foreign nationals to follow from April onwards, as the Government removes the requirement for MIQ for most travellers, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said. 

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Australia - Further steps to reopen Australia and secure economic recovery

From 1 December 2021, fully vaccinated eligible visa holders can come to Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption. 

Eligible visa holders include skilled and student cohorts, as well as humanitarian, working holiday maker and provisional family visa holders. 

Friday, November 19, 2021

China - Tax, fee reductions all on table to propel expansion

Policymakers in China are considering major tax and fee cuts in 2022 as a proactive fiscal easing measure to spur the economy and support vulnerable firms, tax authorities and experts said on Nov 18.  

Dubai launches 5-year multi-entry visa for multinational companies (MNC) employees

As Dubai continues to drive global travel recovery and growth, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Dubai, in cooperation with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched a Five-Year Multi-Entry Visa for employees of multinational companies, to further accelerate momentum across tourism and all other business sectors. 

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Switzerland - Australian nationals to be exempted from visa requirement

Australian nationals will be allowed to enter Switzerland without a visa from 1 January 2022. The relevant ordinance has been amended accordingly. 

From the same date, Swiss nationals will get access to the Australian Work and Holiday programme. 

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Singapore Continues With Cautious, Progressive Borders Reopening

Singapore will continue with the cautious, progressive reopening of its borders and extend the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) to more countries. 

Travellers from Indonesia may enter Singapore under the VTL from 29 November 2021. 

Travellers from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may enter Singapore under the VTL from 6 December 2021. 

We also intend to launch a VTL for India for entry into Singapore from 29 November 2021. 



Wednesday, November 10, 2021

US - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Announces Countries Eligible for H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (DOS), has announced the lists of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs in the next year. 

The notice listing the eligible countries will be published in the Federal Register on Nov. 10, 2021. 

EU rules force more tax transparency on multinationals

Multinational companies will have to disclose publicly how much tax they pay in each EU country, which will increase scrutiny of their tax practices. 

On 11 November MEPs will vote on a provisional agreement with the Council that would oblige companies with an  annual revenue of more than €750 million and with operations in more than one country to declare the profits they have made, the corporate income tax paid and the number of employees in each EU country for the previous financial year. 

Tuesday, November 09, 2021

Singapore - A joint Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) with Malaysia for travel between Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and VTLs will also be extended to Finland and Sweden from 29 November 2021

A joint Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) with Malaysia for travel between Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) will be launched on 29 November 2021. 

Vaccinated Travel Pass applications for Short-Term Visitors and Long-Term Pass Holders will commence on 22 November 2021. Returning Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who are fully vaccinated will not need to apply. 

VTLs will also be extended to Finland and Sweden from 29 November 2021, with applications for Short-Term Visitors and Long-Term Pass Holders commencing on 22 November 2021.  


Monday, November 08, 2021

Taiwan to offer subsidies to employers after minimum pay hike in 2022

Taiwan's Cabinet approved a NT$3.5 billion (US$125.52 million) wage subsidy scheme on Thursday to help businesses affected by COVID-19 that saw steep revenue declines in September and October pay employees following the minimum wage hike next year. 

Denmark - The temporary suspension of the Working Holiday scheme has been repealed (except for Argentina)

The Minister for Immigration and Integration has decided to repeal the temporary suspension of all Working Holiday agreements, except for the agreement with Argentina. 

US - Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announces 401(k) limit increases to $20,500

The Internal Revenue Service announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2022 has increased to $20,500, up from $19,500 for 2021 and 2020. 

Wednesday, November 03, 2021

Japan to ease entry rules, admit some new foreign visitors

Japan intends to ease its pandemic-related restrictions on entry into the country by lifting its ban on foreign short-term business travelers, international students and technical interns from all countries and regions as early as next week, although tourists will continue to be barred. 

Australia - Australia will welcome back fully vaccinated Singaporean travellers in November

Australia will welcome back fully vaccinated Singaporean travellers in November as part of our step by step and safe reopening to the world.
The quarantine-free travel arrangements will commence on November 21 for Australian states and territories that are ready, and will be available for fully vaccinated Singaporeans travelling from Singapore who present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the agreement at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rome, following a meeting with the Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong. 

Monday, November 01, 2021

Australia - Quarantine-free travel from all of New Zealand to Australia

Quarantine-free travel from New Zealand to Australia will resume from 1 November. 

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the resumption of quarantine-free arrivals would be a major boost for tourism and confidence. 

Thailand - List of Countries and Territories Where Individuals Are Permitted To Enter Thailand

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated the list of countries and territories where individuals are permitted to enter Thailand under the Royal Thai Government’s plan to reopen the country. 


Friday, October 29, 2021

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.

Thursday, October 28, 2021

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. 

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. 

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

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. 

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. 

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

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. 


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. 

Monday, October 25, 2021

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. 

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

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. 

Quarantine-free flights between Australia and the South Island of New Zealand will resume at 11.59pm on 19 October 2021

Quarantine-free flights between Australia and the South Island of New Zealand will resume at 11.59pm on 19 October 2021. 

Please be aware that although your Australia Travel Declaration will indicate that you are not eligible for a quarantine-free flight, you will be recognised at check-in as meeting the conditions for quarantine-free travel. 

Quarantine-free travel from the North Island of New Zealand remains suspended. 

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

US - The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) extends videoconferencing to large business taxpayers

The Internal Revenue Service announced that beginning October 18, the IRS's large business division will accept all taxpayer requests to meet with IRS employees using secure videoconferencing. 

This step extends the practice used during the pandemic to accommodate taxpayers who sought more than meeting with an IRS employee over telephone calls. 

Ireland - Ministers announce new immigration reform measures

  • Digitisation Strategy for Immigration Services published
  • End-to-end review of international protection processes completed.

The Minister for Justice, Heather Humphreys TD, and the Minister of State for Law Reform, Youth Justice and Immigration, James Browne TD, have announced a new suite of immigration reform measures for the benefit of our customers. 

Monday, October 18, 2021

England - Lateral flow tests to be introduced for vaccinated international arrivals

  • From 24 October fully vaccinated passengers and most under 18s arriving in England from countries not on the red list can take a cheaper lateral flow test, instead of a PCR test, on or before day 2 of their arrival into the UK. These can be booked from 22 October 
  • Change will come into effect for those returning from half-term breaks with lateral flow tests available to book through private providers listed on GOV.UK
  • Passengers must upload a photo of their test to verify results as soon as possible, with free confirmatory NHS PCRs for any positive cases

Eligible fully vaccinated passengers arriving in England from countries not on the red list can take a lateral flow test on or before day 2 of their arrival from 24 October, rather than PCR tests – cutting the cost of tests in time for travellers returning from half-term breaks. These can be booked from 22 October. 

Taiwan eases quarantine rules for arrivals from Israel and Indonesia

Passengers arriving in Taiwan from Israel and Indonesia will not be required to quarantine at a government facility starting Oct. 17, and can instead choose to stay at a quarantine hotel, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Friday. 

Friday, October 15, 2021

Adele - Easy On Me (Official Video)

The Queen is back! The first single off the block may not be as attention grabbing as "Rolling In The Deep" or "Hello" but "Easy On Me" spells number 1 hit all over.


There ain’t no gold In this river That I’ve been washing my hands in forever I know there is hope In these waters But I can’t bring myself to swim When I am drowning In this silence baby let me in Go easy on me baby I was still a child Didn’t get the chance to Feel the world around me I had no time to choose What I chose to do So go easy on me There ain’t no room For things to change When we are both so deeply Stuck in our ways You can’t deny how hard I have tried I changed who I was To put you both first But now I give up I had good intentions And the highest hopes But I know right now It probably doesn’t even show

New Zealand - Government provides certainty to working holiday and seasonal visa holders and employers for summer

The Government will extend Working Holiday visas and Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work visas for six months to provide more certainty to employers and visa holders over the coming summer period, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi has announced. 

US - Secretary Mayorkas to Allow Fully Vaccinated Travelers from Canada and Mexico to Enter U.S. at Land Borders and Ferry Crossings

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced that, following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health experts, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will amend Title 19 regulations to allow non-essential travelers who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and have appropriate documentation to enter the United States via land and ferry ports of entry (POEs) across the U.S. border. 

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Taiwan ROC - Tax withholders must withhold income tax based on identity of the income recipient

When payments of taxable income are made, tax withholders must withhold income tax on the basis of Article 88 of the Income Tax Act and the Standards of Withholding Rates for Various Incomes. 

Thailand Will Start Lifting Quarantine From Nov 1

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said during a televised speech on Monday evening that Thailand will lift quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated visitors from low risk countries from November 1 onwards. 

Monday, October 11, 2021

Singapore - Adjusting border measures and extending Vaccinated Travel Lanes

  • Adjustments have been made to the classification of countries/region and their corresponding border measures. 
  • Extending Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) to 8 more Category II countries/regions from 19 October 2021 
  • Joint VTLs with Republic of Korea to facilitate travelling between the two countries will commence from 15 November 2021 

Changes to the classification of countries/regions and border measures 

Based on the COVID-19 situation in various countries, here is the latest classification for each of the 4 categories, can be found on the SafeTravel website. These changes will be effective from 12 October 2021, 2359 hours. 


Friday, October 08, 2021

Canada - effective October 30, travellers departing from Canadian airports, and travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, will be required to be fully vaccinated in order to travel

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announced that, as of October 30, the Government of Canada will require employers in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors to establish vaccination policies for their employees. 

Also effective October 30, travellers departing from Canadian airports, and travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, will be required to be fully vaccinated in order to travel. 

Australia - Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) announced for India

Australia is introducing MATES for Indian nationals to live and work in Australia for up to 2 years.  From December 2024, graduates and ear...