COVID 19 – INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL BANS

24/3/2020

Coronavirus Update

Posted by: DRSI LAW OFFICES

This is an update on DRSI LAW position regarding the impact of the worldwide pandemic of the CoronaVirus aka Covid-19 Virus.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. According to the World Health Organisation,  https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public we are following strict instructions:

  • Wash your hands frequently 
  • Maintain social distancing
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
  • Practice respiratory hygiene
  • If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
  • Stay informed and follow the advice given by your healthcare provider

DRSI LAW is obligated to the safety of our team at this time. The DRSI Team is determined to keep working on our clients’ cases. DRSI Law visions an end to this world disaster and banishing the invisible enemy very soon, and our clients will continue to successfully reopen their businesses worldwide, start to get back on planes and require visas to work abroad and join their loved ones. 

Our Office lines are open from 09.30 am to 17.30 on (972) 077 5166 505 or you can email us on [email protected]. We are available for consultations, and should you have any questions about International travel bans, we have attached a few links below. These are dynamic times and every day the rules are changing – but please feel free to contact us at any time. 

Due to the fantastic software that we have in 2020, we can continue to smoothly run all our cases from any location today. We do all have children and elders that we are worried about and must care for – and we must understand that human health comes first and foremost. 

We are continuing to schedule zoom/ Whatsapp/ Skype meetings with our clients and are fully motivated to utilize this period to delivering our top professional services. 

Thank you for your continued support.

DRSI TEAM 

Daliah Sklar

Here is some information that might be helpful:

  • Latest US Updates –  https://il.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ 
  • The United States Embassy in Jerusalem and the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv are canceling routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments. Emergency non-immigrant visa appointments for urgent matters can be requested here
  • U.S. Embassies around the world are limiting their operations. Country specific information can be found here.
  • As of March 22, commercial flights out of Ben Gurion Airport to the United States remain available on the following airlines: United Airlines, El Al, and Turkish Airlines. While flights remain available from Ben Gurion Airport to other international locations that may provide connections to the United States, airlines continue to cancel flights or suspend operations. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite time-frame.  
  • United Airlines
    Local: 03-5116787
    U.S.: 18002258610
    El Al
    Local: 03-9771111
    Turkish Airlines
    Local: 03-6945919
    International: 902124636363
  • The Israeli Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) automatically extended the following visas visa categories expiring from March 12, 2020, until June 30, 2020.  Any visa holder of the below category does not need to renew their visas at a PIBA office.
    • B1 (Work Visa)
    • A1 (Eligible under the Right of Return Visa)
    • A2 (Student/Trainee/Intern visa)
    • A3 (Religious Study and Practice Visa)
    • A4 (Companion Visa for A2 and A3 Visa holders)
    • A5 (Temporary Resident Visa)
  •  
  • BRITISH IMMIGRATION –  As countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel and border restrictions, the FCO advises British nationals against all but essential international travel. Any country or area may restrict travel without notice. If you live in the UK and are currently traveling abroad, you are strongly advised to return now, where and while there are still commercial routes available. Many airlines are suspending flights and many airports are closing, preventing flights from leaving. 
  • British Business – British businesses that may face disruption due to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) can call the business support helpline on 0300 456 3565 and visit the dedicated business support website for more information. This team will discuss the challenges faced by UK businesses at home and overseas to understand how best the department can support them. See COVID-19 support for businesses from the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy.
  •   Financial support for British businesses trading internationally – The Chancellor announced (17 March 2020) an unprecedented package of government-backed and guaranteed loans to support businesses, making available an initial £330 bn of guarantees – equivalent to 15% of GDP.  
  • United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices, asylum offices and Application Support Centers (ASCs) have suspended all in-person services with applicants at all of its offices until at least April 1. This includes interviews, naturalization ceremonies, InfoPass appointments and biometric collection appointments. However, USCIS will continue to provide emergency services during this time. If you have an emergency service request, you are directed to the USCIS Contact Center. All applicants will be rescheduled when USCIS resumes normal operations. USCIS has not yet suspended internal operations including receiving immigrant and non-immigrant applications at its service centers
  • U.S. Travel Ban update: Entry of foreign nationals who were physically present in the UK and Northern Ireland within 14 days preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States is suspended. These countries have been added to the list of countries already subject to suspension per Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, 9993, and the subsequent proclamation issued March 14, 2020. Exceptions apply for U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, among other exceptions listed in the proclamations.
  • Spain –  Spain declared a State of Emergency (“Estado de Alarma”) on 14 March, which introduces a series of measures including significant restrictions on movement throughout the country in response to the coronavirus outbreak.  There have been large gatherings of people and demonstrations in some parts of Barcelona and other areas of the Catalonia region in relation to political developments there. Some demonstrations have become violent and may cause disruption to public transport, including access to airports. 
  • Italy – Italy banned any movement inside the country and reported another 651 fatalities on Sunday. The total number of people killed by the disease reached 5,476, the highest globally. 

Leave a Reply