Traveling During the Coronavirus Outbreak; All You Need to Know

Since reports of the coronavirus surfaced in late December, over 550,000 people have been infected and over 22,000 have died around the world. As the virus continues to have a global impact.

Here is everything you need to know about traveling right now.

What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus was first discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, within the Hubei province of China. WHO announced on Feb. 12 that the official name for the specific strain of coronavirus is COVID-19.

On March 11, WHO tweeted that they have officially characterized coronavirus as "a pandemic."

Germany's Skilled Labour Immigration

• The German parliament passed the law on the immigration of skilled workers on 7 June 2019
• The new law will enter into force on 1 March 2020
• Both academics with a university degree and workers with qualified professional training recognized in Germany are considered a specialists
• Improved possibilities for foreign students in Germany to change their residence status
• Permanent settlement permit for those who have completed a vocational training course in Germany 
• If you do not have an employment contract but can prove you have qualified professional training, you will receive a residence permit for six months in order to find a job
• Main professions sought for are: doctors, physiotherapists and nurses, IT specialists, engineers and craftsmen in the construction industry, experts in aerospace, mechatronics, electrical engineering, energy technology and other STEM professions (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology).
• They can enter the country without training - provided they can prove that they have been working in the business for several years.

The Skilled Immigration Act, is a new law which expands the possibilities for qualified professionals to travel to work in Germany. The new regulations will enters into force on 1 March 2020. In future, it will be easier for skilled workers with vocational, non-academic training from non-EU countries to migrate to Germany in order to work. The current conditions for qualified professionals with university degrees will remain in place, with some relaxations of the rules.

Germany Immigration language skills requirement

Learning the German language is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare for your life in Germany. After all, German is spoken in most companies. Even if you don't need to prove your knowledge of German for your job, it will look good on your CV and improves your chances as you apply. Prospective employers will know that you are committed and have made an effort to learn German. Depending on your future plans, you can partake in specialised language courses in your home country or in Germany – it might even be mandatory.

• Work in the nursing and healthcare sector: If you intend to work as a nursing professional or a doctor in Germany, you will need to have your foreign professional qualifications recognised. In addition, you will need to prove your knowledge of German with a certificate from a recognised language centre, such as the Goethe-Institut or a telc-certified institute. The required level of proficiency may vary between B1 or B2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF) depending on the different German states.

Foreign qualifications recognition in Germany

In order to work in Germany, it is helpful to have your foreign qualifications recognised. In somes cases, it is even mandatory. It really depends on your profession:

•  Who needs recognition? In Germany, certain professions are "regulated”. Germans and foreign nationals may only work in these professions if they have a very precise qualification. This applies to professions such as doctors and lawyers. It also applies to different masters of manual trades if they work as independent contractors. If you want to work in one of these regulated professions, you need to have your professional qualification recognised in Germany. On the website “Reglementierte Berufe Datenbank” you find a list which contains all the regulated professions in Germany.

US Travel Ban (DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW)

The scope of the ban is sketchy at the moment, but clearly stated is that:

• The restrictions will take effect on February 22

• Trump administration claims countries added to the list did not meet specific security criteria

• Issuance of visas that can lead to permanent residency WILL be suspended

• Non-immigrant visas (visit, business and student), designated refugees, and temporary workers are EXEMPT from the restrictions

• 'Some' applicants will be able to apply for waivers from the restrictions

President Trump on Friday added six countries to his list of nations facing stringent travel restrictions, a move that will virtually block immigration from Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria, and from Myanmar, where the Muslim minority is fleeing genocide.

Turkey e-Visa (DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW)

e-Visa is an official document permitting entry into and travel within Turkey. The e-Visa is an alternative to visas issued at Turkish missions and at the ports of entry.

Applicants obtain their visas electronically after entering required information and making payments by a credit or debit card (Mastercard, Visa or UnionPay).

How to apply for Turkey Visa

Visa for Tourism and Business visit differ from Work and Education visit.

While some applicants may be exempt from visa for their tourism or business visit to Turkey, the others can obtain an e-Visa. All other applicants will need to obtain a visa through Turkish Representations/Embassy in their country.

Visa Types:

U.S. Visa Dropbox Renewal / Interview Waiver (DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW)

The Dropbox Renewal Program or Interview Waiver program allows certain visa applicants who have previously been issued U.S. visas to renew their visas without attending an interview.

UPDATE:

Indefinite Suspension of “Dropbox” Process for Renewals

The U.S. Mission to Nigeria has indefinitely suspend interview waivers for renewals, otherwise known as the “Dropbox” process.  Visa applications will no longer be accepted by DHL in Nigeria.  Those who have already submitted their passports via “Dropbox” to DHL for processing either at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, or the Consulate General in Lagos, will not be impacted by this change.

Visiting Abu Dhabi, UAE (DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW)

While the citizens of some countries are granted visas upon their arrival at the airport, others can easily obtain it from the UAE embassies and consulates worldwide or through authorised travel agents.

Citizens of the following Countries (including all 28 EU member states) will get their visa upon arrival at all UAE airports or other points of entry.

Nigerians can now obtain 5-year visa to South Africa

The South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni, has announced his government’s decision to commence the issuance of five-year visas to Nigerian professionals, business people and other frequent fliers.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos Wednesday, Munguni said his government was now prepared to eliminate the difficulties usually faced by Nigerians when seeking South African visas.