Argentina – Travel Restrictions Imposed Due to COVID-19
Argentina – Travel Restrictions Imposed Due to COVID-19
Argentina has issued new measures governing individuals from the People’s Republic of China, South Korea, Iran, Japan, the United States of America, United Kingdom and the rest of Europe (this includes the Schengen Area countries) and intending to travel to Argentina. These rules are intended to protect the Argentine population and control and prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
Argentina has issued new measures governing individuals from the People’s Republic of China, South Korea, Iran, Japan, the United States of America, United Kingdom and the rest of Europe (this includes the Schengen Area countries) and intending to travel to Argentina.
These rules are intended to protect the Argentine population and control and prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
WHY THIS MATTERS
These new travel restrictions will have considerable impact on globally-mobile employees between Argentina and the countries concerned, and could delay, if not prevent, cross-border transfers of such employees and their family members who are covered under the scope of these new rules. Employees and their families from these countries who may have received offers of international assignments to Argentina and were making plans to relocate to Argentina may experience some anxiety and inconvenience. The same applies to anyone who has traveled to or was planning to travel to these countries for purposes of renewing their visas or immigration status with a view to returning to Argentina.
Companies with global presence and individuals operating across borders need to be increasingly aware of relevant risks associated with travel, large-crowd events and conferences, and new work arrangements consequent to the COVID-19 outbreak. Awareness is vital to help minimize disruptions to operations and to manage associated risks and costs.
Context
The rapid worldwide spread of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) has motivated the National Immigration Office to take measures aimed at controlling the virus in Argentina and preventing its spread in the country.
COVID-19 causes respiratory diseases, and the main route of transmission is from person to person; so it is essential to reinforce preventive measures that could help restrict the possibilities of further circulation of the virus.
Provision 1644/2020
On 11 March 2020, Argentina’s Immigration Authority (DNM) published Provision 1644/2020 that states that transitory, temporary, and permanent residency permits, along with visas and work permits, have temporarily been suspended for the following nationalities -- and for any individuals coming from -- the People’s Republic of China, South Korea, Iran, Japan, the United States of America, United Kingdom and the rest of Europe (this includes the Schengen Area countries).1
No residency permits or work permits already granted to such individuals currently in Argentina will be taken away. The denial of immigration/residency status only applies to individuals still outside Argentina with plans to take up work/residence in Argentina.
The new rules took effect on 11 March 2020.
12 March 2020 Emergency Decree
In a new Decree published 12 March 2020, the government stipulated new rules restricting travel by individuals into Argentina from the People’s Republic of China, South Korea, Iran, Japan, the United States of America, United Kingdom and the rest of Europe, including individuals who may have transited through the aforementioned countries to get to Argentina.2
All flights coming from the aforementioned countries are cancelled for 30 days, starting yesterday. Finally, individuals coming from the aforementioned countries during the last 14 days must remain in quarantine for at least 15 days according to the Argentinean emergency protocol.
Individuals who arrive in the country having transited through or come directly from the “affected areas” will be subject to a series of questions upon arrival at the airport and may be required to undergo a medical examination.
Nonresident foreign nationals are prohibited from entering Argentina and will not be permitted to remain in Argentina, with some exceptions, if they do not comply with new health emergency rules governing hygiene and self-quarantine.
KPMG NOTE
The new Provision and Decree have many nuances, conditions, and exceptions. Investigations and penalties may result from non-compliance with the new rules.
Any individuals impacted by the new rules may wish to consult with their global mobility advisers and immigration legal counsel as soon as possible for advice on next steps.
The KPMG International member firm in Argentina is tracking these matters closely. We will endeavor to keep readers of GMS Flash Alert posted on any important developments as and when they occur.
FOOTNOTES
1 See the “Disposición 1644/2020” published (in Spanish) in the Boletín Oficial Núm. 34.327 (12 de marzo de 2020).
2 See “Decreto 260/2020. DECNU-2020-260-APN-PTE - Coronavirus (COVID-19). Disposiciones,” published (in Spanish) in the Boletín Oficial Núm. 34.327 (12 de marzo de 2020).
Thought Leadership from KPMG: “Coronavirus: Protect Your Staff and Your Business”
Due to the rapid development of the novel coronavirus situation, many companies have initiated business continuity planning to protect their staff and mitigate the impact on their business operations. In light of the concerns around international assignees – including business travelers – in affected areas, the KPMG People Services team in the People’s Republic of China has developed a booklet (“Coronavirus: Protect Your Staff and Your Business” (February 2020)) highlighting the key considerations for these issues from high level tax, legal, and immigration perspectives.
* Please note that KPMG LLP (U.S.) does not provide any immigration services or legal services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Argentina.
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