INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FOR CANADA-BASED EMPLOYEES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FOR CANADA-BASED EMPLOYEES

Because of the pandemic COVID-19, and its impacts. Many countries of the world have imposed immigration & travel bans on their nationals, foreign nationals and people working in their country. This is a necessity as the pandemic has been a cause of many deaths already worldwide. Hence, Canada and USA are the two North-American nations that share their borders. The Canadian Govt.’s initial advice to the people was not to engage themselves into unwanted travelling. Therefore, only if it’s essential with a highly justified reason.

On the 14th of March, the Govt. recommended that any Canadians outside their country must return. Most importantly, as commercial flights are still available for the sake of people’s emergency travelling. Further to this, the travellers arriving in Canada from international destinations were asked for a self-isolation of 2 weeks. Hence, this is to counter COVID-19 symptoms if found in them. Another announcement came from the Govt. on 16th March. It said that from March 18th the Canadian borders shall be closing with a few exceptions. Immigration Canada has been busy updating their information and bringing rapid changes in travel policies.

GOVT’S TRAVEL TIPS FOR EMPLOYERS

With regards to corporate mobility and corporate immigration matters as well as employment matters and other similar issues. The Govt’s tips for the employers are all in the considerations of COVID-19 and its harmful effects.

Avoiding business travelling outside of Canada, and the borders have been effectively closed for non-Canadians. All business travels outside Canada must be postponed until the situation gets out of danger.

The work permit applications outside Canada for foreign hires and for immigration. Hence, they shall be taking more processing time, but can still be filed. This applies to people who are facing internal disruptions in their country.

After the 16th March travel restrictions announcement taking effect from March 18. Foreign nationals with visa office work permit approvals. Furthermore, those people who were planning their travel to Canada won’t be allowed anymore. This is with exception to United States National who don’t need any immigration checks.

The employers must also consider the transitioning of eligible work permit holders to permanent resident status. This will help the foreign nationals in sustaining in Canada and hold firm grounds. Hence, automatically ending the employer IRPA i.e. compliance requirements. These are faced by the employers while the foreign workers are in Canada on a work permit.

Keep yourself updated and informed through websites and other sources as processing rules and guidelines can change.

Apart from the normal conditions that the employer has to follow. If because of COVID-19 there is a requirement in changes in wages or work conditions. Hence, the employer should immediately consult guidance from immigration and employment law before the changes are implemented.

Courtesy: MBE Blog