From the Editor, Immigration and Nationality Law Committee, April 2021

Back to Immigration and Nationality Law Committee publications

Dear members of the Immigration and Nationality Law Committee,

As humanity accelerates its vaccination drive and hopes arise that the end of the Covid-19 pandemic is in sight, it is a good time to reflect on momentous changes in the laws and policies of almost every nation.

Few areas have seen as much change in the past year as immigration law. Many countries have introduced travel restrictions and quarantine measures that have been crucial to slowing the spread of the virus, but many have also loosened restrictions in some areas. Many pandemic-era changes have taken place on a temporary basis, but some may remain in effect permanently. It is in light of this dynamic that we have asked contributors to answer the following questions:

1. What are the most significant pandemic-era changes to immigration rules in your jurisdiction?
2. Do you anticipate that any of these changes will become permanent?
3. How do you anticipate vaccinations will further alter pandemic immigration/quarantine/entry rules in your jurisdiction?

I wish to thank all contributors for the nine excellent articles we have received on this topic. From them, we learn not only of the national differences in responses to the pandemic, but also that most of us are facing similar challenges in our work. As we anticipate an end to the present crisis and a return to the social contact we all miss so dearly, I invite us to consider how we can learn from each other’s experiences and build an even better post-pandemic world.

Take care, and stay safe,

Jacqueline Bart
Newsletter Officer, Immigration and Nationality Law Committee

Back to Immigration and Nationality Law Committee publications