The economy is still struggling, businesses are closing their doors everyday, new variants… It seems never-ending. In this tense context, it is difficult to hear the calls for freedom from the non-vaccinated. What can unvaccinated expatriates expect this year?
Zero tolerance: the Jordanian model
The non-vaccinated have two more weeks to get their act together. Unvaccinated expatriates in Jordan have until December 15 to receive their two doses of vaccine. The Ministry of the Interior has been toughening the rules since last October, and is particularly targeting the unvaccinated, including expatriates. It's vaccines or expulsion. Although not experiencing the peak currently observed in Europe, barely 36.5% of the Jordanian population was vaccinated at the end of November. The discovery of the new Omicron variant is not helping. Zero tolerance, therefore, and expulsion of all expatriates not fully vaccinated by December 15. The Ministry of Interior reminds expatriates that they have the same rights as Jordanians. The vaccine is free of charge, and is not subject to the presentation of a residence permit or a work permit.
Borders closed
The call of the World Health Organization (WHO) is still not being heard. Faced with the new Omicron variant, states are closing their borders with southern Africa, or even with all countries. Israel is closing its borders to all foreign travelers. The Hebrew State had opened them on November 1st to vaccinated travelers only. The closure of the borders now concerns all foreign nationals, whether they are vaccinated or not. Vaccinated Israeli citizens will have to present a negative PCR test to enter the country and will have to stay in isolation for 3 days. Non-vaccinated citizens will have to observe a 7-day quarantine. With the Jewish holiday Hanukkah (Jewish festival of lights) taking place all last week, the authorities did not want to take any risks. No cancellation of the celebrations, but the obligation to present one's health pass. With the Omicron variant, the States are further constraining the non-vaccinated, expatriates as well as locals.
The Canadian authorities have announced that foreign students and workers who have not been fully vaccinated will no longer be able to leave the country by plane as of last October. A tolerance has been granted until November 30, upon presentation of a negative test. The country remains completely closed to non-vaccinated people, as do the United States, Greenland, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, the Philippines and Indonesia. Other countries restrict the travel of non-vaccinated persons to a maximum: compelling reason, negative PCR test required, quarantine (Iceland, United Kingdom, Latvia, Thailand, Cambodia...).
Social life at a standstill
With the arrival of the Omicron variant, states are increasing the pressure on the non-vaccinated. Some are thinking of following Austria's lead, which has made vaccination mandatory by February 2022, with a fine of up to €3,600 for violators. From December 15, Italy is extending the vaccination requirement to all public sector employees. The remaining non-vaccinated are deprived of cinema, restaurant, theater, discotheque and sports events (from December 6).
