Foreign executives working in China have been given the green light to return to the country despite the ongoing travel restriction still in place. The Ministry of Commerce reportedly informed multinational companies that they can apply for exemptions to the current entry ban for essential executives who had left the country before the lockdowns.
The exemptions to let executives back into the country is part of China's wider efforts to restart its economy. Since late March, foreigners have been barred from entering the country as health officials attempted to prevent any new cases of the coronavirus from spreading. Under the new exemption rule, foreigners who will be allowed to return to the country will still need to serve mandatory quarantine as well as other health checks to ensure that they are non-carriers.
China's foreign and commerce ministries have yet to make the information public, but sources familiar with the matter revealed that major companies have already been informed about the new exemption measures. Authorities are likely aiming to have major companies get back to work immediately to help restart economic activity.
The same sources claimed that some companies have already successfully applied for exemption. Volkswagen recently confirmed that it was able to successfully apply for the entry of its executive vice-president for research and development, Thomas Muller. The German automaker revealed that Muller was able to enter China successfully but it did not specify when exactly he arrived.
Apart from China, South Korea is reportedly also easing its travel restrictions for essential business travelers starting this month. Both countries reportedly agreed on a "fast-track" program that would allow business people to travel to and from China and South Korea much easier. Travelers will reportedly still need to be screened and pass health tests. Those arriving in China will be kept in quarantine for only up to two days, instead of the standard 14 days.
On April 30, China Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang had mentioned during a press briefing that the country is looking to reach "fast track" agreements with other countries to assist business travelers. The goal of the program is to expedite the entry of essential business workers that are needed to restart operations of offices, factories, and other facilities.
The process of normalizing travel into China, even for business purposes, will likely still be facing several challenges and complications. For one, it will be difficult to screen all foreign travelers and make sure that they aren't infected. Approved testing centers, personnel, and other resources would have to be allocated and the levels of restrictions do vary from city to city.
