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.

READ MORE HERE

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. 

READ MORE HERE

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. 

READ MORE HERE

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

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. 

READ MORE HERE

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. 

READ MORE HERE

Ireland - Ministers announce new immigration reform measures

• New customer-focused website www.irishimmigration.ie provides easy-to-navigate information in plain English

• 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. 

READ MORE HERE

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. 

READ MORE HERE

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. 

READ THE NEWS HERE

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. 

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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. 

READ MORE HERE

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. 

READ MORE HERE

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. 

READ THE NEWS HERE 

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. 

READ MORE HERE  

READ THE PRESS RELEASE FROM MINISTRY OF HEALTH HERE

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. 

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)'s Partnership Efforts Simplify Corporate Income Tax Filing 2021

• Up to 40% time-savings for companies and tax agents with simplified tax treatment for qualifying telecommuting assets under COVID-19 concession 
• Extended seamless filing solution to more tax professionals 
• Syncing of financial year end details 
• Pre-filled companies’ email addresses for digitised notices 

The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) partnered with the tax community and government agencies to simplify Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Filing 2021 for companies. With the new initiatives, companies and tax agents can further reduce the time they take to file CIT this year. Companies are to e-File their CIT Returns (Form C-S/ Form C-S (Lite)/ Form C) by 30 November 2021. 

READ MORE HERE

UK - The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has lifted its advice against all but essential travel for over 30 countries and territories

Advisories against all but essential travel lifted making travel to destinations across the globe more straightforward. 

• advice against all but essential travel removed for 32 countries and territories 
• travellers able to get insurance for more destinations 
• changes are a boost for businesses and families 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has lifted its advice against all but essential travel for over 30 countries and territories. The change means people will be able to travel to a larger number of destinations with greater ease. 

READ MORE HERE

HKSAR Government responds to inclusion of Hong Kong in EU's watchlist on tax co-operation

The European Union (EU) on October 5 announced the inclusion of Hong Kong in its watchlist on tax co-operation as it considered that the non-taxation of certain foreign sourced passive income in Hong Kong might lead to situations of "double non-taxation". 

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) responded to media enquiries on the announcement. 

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

New Zealand - Auckland restrictions eased in steps

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has set out a roadmap for Auckland to carefully move out of current Covid-19 restrictions. 

Alert Level 3 and 4 restrictions in Auckland have helped control the Delta outbreak over the past seven weeks while New Zealanders ramped up their vaccination rates. 

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Changes to Align Border Measures With Domestic Protocols

It has been about one week since Singapore entered the Stabilisation Phase on 27 September 2021. 

The vast majority – over 98% - of infected individuals have mild or no symptoms, and 0.3% needed ICU care or died.  This is a result of having vaccinated the great majority of the population, who experienced mild illness even as breakthrough infections occur. 

Nevertheless, Singapore is ramping up healthcare and response capacity to cope with the rising cases. Singapore is also stabilising the situation and familiarising people to the new healthcare protocols, such as the Home Recovery Programme and the self-isolation protocol for asymptomatic individuals who test positive on antigen rapid test (ART) self-test kits. 

This will allow Singapore to focus healthcare resources to care for and treat cases who truly need the medical care. Singapore want to thank the public for their patience and support for these new protocols, and to reassure everyone that Home Recovery is safe and suitable for most individuals, especially if they are younger or vaccinated individuals. 

READ MORE HERE

Australia - Next steps to reopen to the world

Australia is ready to take its next steps to safely reopen to the world, with changes coming to the international border. 

The government is setting out the framework for how international travel will look in coming months. 

With first dose vaccination rates at over 78 per cent and double dose rates nationwide at 55 per cent and on track to reach 70 per cent in some jurisdictions over the next week, the government has been finalising plans so Australian families can be reunited, Australian workers can travel in and out of the country, and Australia can work towards welcoming tourists back to their shores. 

READ MORE HERE

Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) relaxes social distancing measures, gradually restarts economic activities

Ho Chi Minh City has announced new measures on COVID-19 response and economic recovery, starting from October 1, more than three months after social distancing rules were imposed in the entire southern metropolis. 

Regarding the COVID-19 fight, the city will gradually and cautiously ease social distancing measures in accordance with the COVID-19 pandemic situation and evaluation from the Ministry of Health under the solan “safety first”. 

READ MORE HERE