COVID-19: extending permits to work abroad for colleagues stuck at home

What to do if non-EU nationals can't return to work in EU countries because their work permits will expire while coronavirus travel bans are in force.

The COVID-19 crisis presents big challenges for international business. One of the biggest is a strict ban on travel in place across EU countries, such as Germany, to help prevent the spread of the virus.

If your company employs non-EU nationals to work in those countries, but they were back home when the ban came into force, they’ll be legally unable to return and resume work abroad if their visa expires while the ban is still in place.

Right now, they need to stay indoors, keep safe and help prevent the spread of infection. But what happens once life returns to normal? You need to act now to get vital workers back as quickly as possible – and limit the impact on your business.

Normally the answer would be for them to go to the German consulate in their home country and request a work visa extension. But getting an appointment takes time even normally, let alone in a crisis when authorities are closed or working remotely.

Dwyer Legal can help secure these vital visa extensions now, ready to get your people back where they’re needed as soon as the travel ban is lifted.

We’ll contact your employees to understand their specific circumstances, find out key details like where their work permit was issued, and talk them through any next steps. Then we’ll liaise directly with Germany immigration authorities, including emergency teams working remotely, to secure an extension as quickly as possible.

We want to provide a lifeline and reassurance to your business and your people at this difficult time.