Mar.27.2020

On March 26, 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (“MFA”) announced a decision to temporarily suspend entry into China by foreign nationals holding valid visas or residence permits (including APEC Business Travel Cards) as a preventative measure against the COVID-19 pandemic starting from midnight, March 28, 2020.

The announcement lists the specific categories of visas affected (above). However, those who enter with the visas listed below will not be affected:

  • Diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas.
  • Entry with new visas, specifically those issued after this announcement.

Meanwhile, the MFA has confirmed that foreign nationals affected may apply for new visas at Chinese embassies or consulates for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or based on emergency humanitarian need.

The announcement does not indicate the expiration date of the suspension. According to the MFA, the suspension is a temporary measure that China is compelled to take considering the pandemic and the varied practices of other countries. The measures will be calibrated in view of the evolving situation and revised or updated  accordingly.

Because some employees with valid work permits may not be able to enter China from March 28 due to the suspension, employers will need to prepare to make alternative work arrangements for expat workers who may be trying to return to China.

For the text of the official announcement from MFA, please go to:

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjbxw/t1761867.shtml

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Photo of Evan Chuck Evan Chuck

Evan Chuck is a partner in the firm’s Los Angeles office and is a member of the firm’s International Trade and Corporate Groups. He leads the firm’s Asia practice and is also a director of the firm’s China office in Shanghai.

Evan has…

Evan Chuck is a partner in the firm’s Los Angeles office and is a member of the firm’s International Trade and Corporate Groups. He leads the firm’s Asia practice and is also a director of the firm’s China office in Shanghai.

Evan has more than 25 years of international trade and cross-border transactional experience. He has been a strategic advisor to Fortune 500 companies in structuring market entry, global supply chain and e-commerce strategies across the Asia-Pacific region. He has in-depth experience in China with cross-border acquisitions/dispositions, government regulatory compliance, and investigations. He advises major multinational companies on navigating the potential conflicts between and among U.S., E.U., and newly emerging Chinese law, including the Anti-foreign Sanctions Law, the PRC “Blocking Statute”, the PRC Export Control Law, Unreliable Entity List, the PRC Cybersecurity Law, and the PRC Data Security Law. He has also been representing a select group of large, multinational Chinese companies with complex U.S. transactional, tax, and regulatory issues. Evan works closely with the firm’s government affairs group and consulting group, Crowell & Moring International, to align global geo-political policy and strategy with cross-border legal advice.

Photo of Nicole Simonian Nicole Simonian

Nicole Janigian Simonian is the co-chair of the firm’s International Trade practice and International Employment and Global Mobility Lead, with a focus on the firm’s Asia practice. A partner in the firm’s Los Angeles office, she is also a director of the firm’s…

Nicole Janigian Simonian is the co-chair of the firm’s International Trade practice and International Employment and Global Mobility Lead, with a focus on the firm’s Asia practice. A partner in the firm’s Los Angeles office, she is also a director of the firm’s China office in Shanghai. Nicole’s practice covers a range of international compliance and regulatory issues, including cross border transactions, international trade, global mobility and employment, and global supply chains.

Nicole is a member of the firm’s COVID‐19 Working Group, focusing on advising employers on compliance with U.S. and international initiatives affecting private employers and providing guidance on how to navigate the myriad of regulatory complexities companies are confronted with on a global basis.