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IMPACT — MEDIUM
Reports on the salaries paid to highly qualified specialists during the second quarter of 2023 (April through June) must be submitted by July 31.
Key Points:
BAL Analysis: Companies should ensure that they submit their quarterly reports on time and that the salaries comply with wage thresholds for HQS workers. Failing to pay the minimum salary established for HQS employees can result in a company being banned from employing new HQS employees for two years.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
Reports on the salaries paid to highly qualified specialists during the first quarter of 2023 (January through March) must be submitted by April 28.
The Russian government has announced a new vaccination requirement for foreign workers.
Additional Information: Foreign nationals who do not want to be vaccinated must submit their refusal in writing in the presence of a medical professional.
BAL Analysis: Russian authorities introduced the new vaccination campaign to prevent the spread of the measles virus. Employers should ensure that they meet the measles vaccination requirement to avoid fines and complications.
Reports on salaries paid to Highly Qualified Specialists during the fourth quarter of 2022 (Oct. 1 through Dec. 31) must be submitted by Jan. 31.
The Irish government has removed Russia and Belarus from its Short-Stay Visa Waiver Program.
Additional Information: Irish authorities will not recognize Russian passports issued in occupied foreign regions, including Ukraine and Georgia, when issuing visas or for those crossing borders. However, individuals holding Russian passports issued in controlled regions can still apply for asylum and remain entitled to Temporary Protected Status.
BAL Analysis: Ireland joins a number of other European countries that have suspended or limited certain visas and permits for Russian and Belarusian nationals. Employers and employees are reminded that actions taken as a result of the invasion of Ukraine may change with little or no notice. BAL will continue to follow the global response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and will provide information as it becomes available.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
Reports on the salaries paid to highly qualified specialists (HQS) during the third quarter of 2022 (July 1 through Sept. 30) must be submitted by Oct. 31.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The European Council has moved to fully suspend the visa facilitation agreement between the European Union and Russia.
Background: The EU and Russia entered into the visa facilitation agreement in June 2007. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, the EU enacted a partial suspension of the agreement for diplomats, Russian officials and some business people. At an Aug. 31 meeting, EU foreign affairs ministers agreed to fully suspend the visa facilitation agreement. The European Council adopted the measure last week and said it would provide additional guidelines to ensure the suspension does not negatively impact people, including journalists, civil society representatives and those traveling for essential purposes.
BAL Analysis: Russian nationals should expect continued difficulty in obtaining visas for travel to Europe. Many countries had already imposed restrictions on visa processing and the full suspension of the visa facilitation agreement will likely make it even more difficult to obtain Schengen Visas. Employers should plan travel well in advance to avoid complications and delays. BAL will continue to follow this issue and will provide updates as information becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Russian government has ended its quarantine requirement for certain travelers and announced that it will lift its COVID-19 land border restrictions.
BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
The Russian government has introduced a draft law to give certain IT specialists special work and residence rights.
Additional Information: IT specialists’ permanent resident permits would be subject to cancelation if the individual stopped working for the accredited IT employer and was unable to receive an employment contract with another accredited employer within 30 business days. Under the current proposal, the law would take effect 90 days after formal approval. Observers expect the standard visa process would apply to eligible IT specialists and their dependents once the law comes into effect.
BAL Analysis: The law would simplify the work authorization and permanent residence processes for certain IT specialists and their employers. BAL will monitor these developments and will provide more information as it becomes available.
The Russian government has introduced a draft law to amend requirements for hiring Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS).
Additional Information: Those who receive an HQS work permits will be required to retrieve the permit within 30 days after entering Russia. If the HQS is staying in Russia during processing, they must retrieve the permit within 30 days of receiving an approval notice. Under the current proposal, the draft law would take effect Sept. 1.
BAL Analysis: The changes listed above are not final, and Russian authorities may make amendments to the draft law in the coming weeks. BAL will provide more information regarding changes in the requirements for hiring HQS once it becomes available.