Saudi Arabia has introduced a new short-term work visa.

Key Points: 

  • The new Temporary Work Visit Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows foreign nationals to work in the kingdom for up to 90 days in a one-year period.
  • Employers may obtain quotas for the new visas through the Qiwa online portal. To be eligible for a quota, employers must:
    • Have a valid commercial registration.
    • Be compliant with Saudi Arabia’s Wage Protection System.
    • Have a Nitaqat status of “Medium Green” or better.
    • Ensure that all foreign workers have valid work permits.
  • Eligible employers can purchase quotas in packages of one, five, 10 or 50. One quota costs 1,000 SAR (about USD$267); a package of 50 costs 45,000 SAR.
  • Visas are valid for one year from the date the quota is purchased. Payment will not be refunded after 30 days, including in cases where the visa is issued but the visa holder never travels to Saudi Arabia. Visas are nontransferable from company to company, but unused visas can be canceled and reallocated within a company.

Analysis & Comments: The application for Temporary Work Visit Visas is a two-step process whereby employers obtain a visa quota and foreign nationals obtain a visa sticker from a Saudi consular post or visa agent abroad before traveling to the country. While visa quotas are now available, visa stickers may be difficult to obtain at this time because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Employers in need of bringing foreign nationals to Saudi Arabia for short-term work are encouraged to work closely with Deloitte to determine their best options.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Saudi Arabia has extended travel restrictions and re-closed its borders because of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • All nationals traveling from the following 20 countries are barred entry: Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. The ban includes travelers who transit through or stayed in any of the 20 countries within 14 days before seeking entry to Saudi Arabia. Exceptions exist for Saudi citizens, diplomats, health practitioners and their families.
  • The Saudi Embassy and Consulates in the U.S. have suspended visa application processing.
  • The complete lifting of border closures and restrictions on international flights has been delayed from March 31 to May 17.

Background: The Saudi Arabia government lifted its latest international travel suspension in late January. With the emergence and spread of the new COVID-19 strains, the Kingdom introduced new restrictions.

Analysis & Comments: The reopening delay and suspension mean travel to Saudi Arabia remains subject to a variety of limitations and travel and health protocols. Employers who wish to send employees to Saudi Arabia may wish to discuss their plans with Deloitte. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

Saudi Arabia’s government has lifted its suspension of international flights and entry by land and sea and announced a number of new entry and travel measures.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals with tourist visas may not enter Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 crisis.
  • Entry is allowed to the Kingdom for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States as well as non‑Saudis who obtain any of the following visas: exit and re‑entry, work permit, or Iqama (resident permit).
  • Travel is not allowed to and from Argentina, Brazil, India, the U.K. and South Africa except for individuals with official government invitations and health practitioners from India and their families. No travelers who have been in these countries in the last 14 days before arriving in Saudi Arabia are allowed to enter, except for Saudi nationals.
  • All non‑Saudis, except children eight years old and below, must present a negative COVID‑19 PCR test result issued by an accredited laboratory. The test must be performed no later than 72 hours before the scheduled departure to Saudi Arabia. The test validity is from the time the test result was received and should not exceed 72 hours at the time of arrival to Saudi Arabia.
  • All travelers who wish to enter Saudi Arabia must complete and sign the Health Declaration form and submit it to a health control center when they arrive at a Saudi Arabian airport.
  • All travelers entering Saudi Arabia must enter a three-day quarantine at home upon arrival. They also must obtain a COVID-19 PCR test after two days in quarantine. Those who enter quarantine for two days and do not obtain this test must remain in quarantine for seven days.
  • All travel restrictions will be lifted beginning March 31, allowing the resumption of international flights and the reopening of land and sea ports to all travelers.
  • Saudi nationals exiting Saudi Arabia after March 31 will not be required to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Foreign nationals traveling from Denmark, the Netherlands, the U.K., or South Africa must have been outside these countries for at least 14 days before entering Saudi Arabia. Such travelers must also obtain a COVID-19 PCR test with a negative result after this period.
  • Travelers arriving from Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland must complete a full home quarantine of seven days with a COVID 19 PCR test on the sixth day.
  • Saudi nationals and authorized travelers arriving from the U.K. and South Africa must complete a full home quarantine of 14 days and obtain a COVID‑19 PCR test after 48 hours and another test on the thirteenth day.

Additional Information: Travelers who wish to enter Saudi Arabia must follow health protocols and travel guidelines. More information about these protocols and guidelines is available here.

Analysis & Comments: The lifting of the international travel suspension will allow more people to enter Saudi Arabia, though some restrictions remain in place. Employers who intend to send employees to Saudi Arabia may wish to discuss their plans with Deloitte. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Saudi Arabia has changed COVID-19 testing requirements for foreign nationals entering the country.

Key Points:

  • Upon arriving, foreign nationals must now submit a negative test certificate from a PCR COVID-19 test conducted at a verified laboratory outside Saudi Arabia no more than 72 hours before departing. The previous requirement was no more than 48 hours before departing.
  • Travel restrictions were lifted on Sept. 15 for some Saudi citizens, citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens and foreign nationals with valid exit and re-entry visas, work permits, resident permits or visit visas.

Analysis & Comments: The testing requirement changes will allow foreign nationals who wish to enter Saudi Arabia more time to get tested and receive their results. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

 

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Saudi Arabia has resumed visa processing at embassies in nine Middle Eastern and North African countries.

Key Points:

  • Saudi embassies in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates have resumed accepting visa applications.
    • Algeria: Processing of all visa applications has resumed.
    • Bahrain: Processing of all visa applications has resumed.
    • Egypt: Processing of all visa applications has resumed except for work visas. Currently, work visa applications are only being accepted for doctors.
    • Jordan: Processing of all visa applications has resumed.
    • Kuwait: Processing of all visa applications has resumed.
    • Lebanon: Processing of visa applications has resumed, the types being processed still need to be confirmed.
    • Oman: Processing of all visa applications has resumed, except for tourist and transit visas.
    • Tunisia: Processing of all visa applications has resumed.
    • United Arab Emirates: Processing of all visa applications has resumed, except for tourist and transit visas.

Background: Saudi Arabia recently lifted entry restrictions for certain travelers, including foreign nationals with valid exit and re-entry visas, work permits, resident permits or visit visas, in September.

Analysis & Comments: The resumption of visa application processing at the Saudi embassies will allow greater movement of people into Saudi Arabia. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Saudi Arabia has lifted some of its COVID-19 entry restrictions and intends to completely lift them for Saudi citizens on Jan. 1, 2021.

Key Points:

  • Restrictions on travel by air, land and sea were lifted on Sept. 15 for the following Saudi citizens, allowing them to leave and return to Saudi Arabia:
    • government employees (including military) assigned official duties;
    • Saudi diplomatic and consular missions personnel;
    • regional and international organizations staff and their families and companions;
    • public, private or non-profit facilities employees in permanent jobs outside the country;
    • those employed in companies or commercial institutions outside the country;
    • business people who must travel to conduct their business;
    • marketing and sales directors who must visit their clients;
    • medical patients in need of treatment outside the country such as cancer and organ transplant patients;
    • scholarship students;
    • self-funded students and medical fellows whose studies and training must take place outside the country;
    • those traveling for humanitarian reasons, including those who are seeking reunification with family members outside the country or who must travel because of the death of a close family member; and
    • athletes in regional and international official sporting events, including team staff.
  • Citizens from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will be allowed to enter and exit the Kingdom.
  • Foreign nationals with valid exit and re-entry visas, work permits, resident permits or visit visas may now enter and depart Saudi Arabia.
  • All travelers entering Saudi Arabia must show a negative COVID-19 test certificate from a test taken no more than 48 hours before entry from a reliable testing facility outside Saudi Arabia. They must also follow COVID-19 preventative health measures.
  • Travel restrictions by air, land and sea will be completely lifted for Saudi citizens after Jan. 1, 2021. The government will announce the specific date in December.

Background: Saudi Arabia first suspended international flights in March.

Analysis & Comments: The partial easing of restrictions for certain travelers will allow greater movement of people into and out of Saudi Arabia. It is isn’t clear yet exactly when all travel restrictions will be lifted for Saudi citizens but the exact date is scheduled to be revealed in December. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Saudi Arabia has announced that at the beginning of next year it will set aside 20 percent of private sector engineering positions for Saudi nationals.

What does the change mean? The new policy will apply to all private sector employers with five or more employees in engineering professions.

  • Implementation time frame: Eighteen weeks from now for employer compliance with the requirements and January, 2021 to reach the 20 percent quota.
  • Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
  • Who is affected: Private sector employers with five or more employees in engineering professions.
  • Business impact: Affected private sector employers in Saudi Arabia have 18 weeks from now to become compliant. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development will provide support to these employers to hire Saudi engineers. Support will be available in the form of the recruitment process, employee searches, training, job qualification and employment procedures.

Background: Saudi Arabia eliminated the Nitaqat (Saudization) yellow category in January, an action which moved companies in this category into the red category where they are not allowed to renew work permits or apply for residence permits. Stricter requirements for the hiring of foreign engineers were imposed in 2017.

Employers must be sure that foreign nationals working as engineers in the private sector must have a job title that matches the job title on their work permit. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development will also cease to provide government services to employers found to be in violation of the policy. The salaries of the new Saudi engineering jobs must be at least SR7,000 per month. The 20 percent Saudization of private sector engineering jobs covers 117 engineering fields.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should take note of the new policy requirements and follow them in order to be in compliance. Employers are encouraged to work with Deloitte to ensure they remain in compliance with the new requirements.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Saudi officials have approved extensions of residence permits, visitor’s visas and exit and re-entry visas.

Key Points:

  • Expired residence permits and exit and re-entry visas will be extended for three months for foreign nationals who are currently outside of the country.
  • Expired residence permits and visitors visas will be extended for three months for foreign nationals who are currently in Saudi Arabia, provided their permits expired during Saudi Arabia’s suspension of international travel because of COVID-19.
  • For foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia, exit and re-entry visas that were not used and expired during the COVID-19 lockdown will be extended three months.
  • Exit and re-entry visas will be extended three months for foreign nationals outside the country who were unable to travel to Saudi Arabia because of COVID-19 entry restrictions.

Analysis & Comments: The extensions are good news because they provide relief to individuals who were prevented from entering or exiting Saudi Arabia because of pandemic-related restrictions. Extensions will be provided automatically and free of charge. The exact expiration dates of permits covered by the extension are not yet known. Deloitte will provide more information as it becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries/territories.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

Saudi Arabia recently announced an automatic extension of tourist visa validity and a three-phase easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Key Points:

  • The validity of all tourist visas that expired during the international flight suspension has been automatically extended for three months. The extension was conducted through the General Directorate of Passports system, so no travel to the Directorate’s offices is necessary.
  • First phase: From May 28 to May 30:
    • Curfew hours will ease from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. in all the Kingdom’s regions, except Mecca.
    • Travel by private vehicles between cities and regions will be permitted when curfew hours are not in effect.
    • Work activities that previously were not allowed, such as those at retail and wholesale outlets, including malls, are permitted when curfew hours are not in effect.
    • Activities at barbershops, beauty salons, health and sports clubs and cinemas and recreational centers, where it is not possible to practice social distancing remain suspended. Other activities defined by authorities are also still suspended.
  • Second phase: From May 31 to June 20:
    • Curfew hours will ease from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in all the Kingdom’s regions, except Mecca.
    • In the King’s mosques, Friday and group prayers will be allowed to resume, except in Mecca. At the Grand Mosque, such prayers will continue.
    • Children less than the age of 15, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases will not be allowed to enter mosques.
    • Office work at ministries and for private sector companies and government authorities will be allowed to resume.
    • Public sector workers will return to full work attendance on June 14.
    • Travel between regions within the country using various transportation methods will be allowed.
    • Domestic flights will be allowed if airlines follow precautions established by the Ministry of Health and civil aviation authority.
    • Beauty salons, barber shops, sports and health clubs, entertainment centers and cinemas will not be allowed to reopen during this phase, but restaurants and cafes will be permitted to do so.
    • Social gatherings of more than 50 people will still not be allowed.
  • Third phase: Beginning on June 21, there will be a return to the normal living conditions that existed before the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were enacted.

Analysis & Comments: The automatic tourist validity extension is good news for holders of such visas. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

Saudi Arabia has extended its suspension of international flights in an effort to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Key points:

  • The extension comes after Saudi officials initially suspended flights for two weeks beginning March 15. Flights have now been suspended indefinitely.
  • A small number of flights may be allowed in as exceptional cases, but little information on this point is available at this time.
  • Travel within Saudi Arabia, including travel by airplane, bus and train, will also remain suspended until further notice.
  • Most government and private sector workers will continue working from home, meaning in-country immigration services will be limited.
  • Visitors currently in Saudi Arabia with expiring visas may be able to extend their stay for up 180 days after paying the fee.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. The closure of government agencies will affect immigration processes.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.