Coronavirus Impact on Global Mobility

As the coronavirus epidemic in China continues to escalate, there may be an impact on global mobility and relocation activities. International assignees may be affected by travel bans, evacuation, or delays in household goods shipments.

While there are ongoing uncertainties with the epidemic situation, the current issues include travel restrictions caused by temporary closure of departure channels within China, as well as travel bans to various jurisdictions within the region.

As attempts are made to control the spread of the coronavirus, the Chinese government has extended the Lunar Public Holiday and has implemented restrictions for employees' return to work. Many employers are directing travelers to Greater China to work virtually / from home for a minimum of two weeks following the date of return from China.

There are also news reports that many major corporations are suspending, delaying or cancelling travel into and from Greater China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan); some for up to 30 days, others indefinitely/until further notice.

In addition, many other countries have started to implement increased measures at the border, including Australia, France, Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Myanmar, North Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

The situation is developing and changing rapidly, and new information is becoming available daily. Our immigration partner, Fragomen, has created a special page on their public website to provide the latest immigration alerts and information. Please visit: https://www.fragomen.com/about/news/immigration-update-coronavirus

Fragomen recommends that in formulating mobility/contingency plans for travel bans or quarantines, corporations segment employees according to their current physical location, their importance to remain in China, and their current visa status relative to the current issue. These considerations can aid in developing various options and resources as conditions change.

NuCompass is monitoring the changing conditions and providing precautionary guidance consistent with World Health Organization directives to international transferees and assignees.