Expats kept in the dark
Last December, the British government warned British expats who currently live abroad to avoid travelling to the UK to get vaccinated. Non-essential travel is banned until further notice. Moreover, the UK claims that it has not yet received all of the 350 million doses ordered. Front-liners and the most vulnerable groups are being prioritised. But thousands of expatriates are left wondering whether they will be able to get vaccinated their host countries.
According to local authorities, only British citizens returning to the country to stay long term will be placed on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) priority list. The rest of them will, therefore have to make the necessary arrangements in their host countries. The UK also points out that application for vaccination cannot be made from abroad. Although new vaccination centres are being set up across the country, the National Health System (NHS) is saturated. So it's going to take some time before the rest of the population gets vaccinated.
In many other countries, like China, Europeans expats, in particular, are struggling to find answers. According to the local media, large Chinese companies that received vaccines have prioritised their local employees, except for some more global industries, including international schools. The local media also reports that some companies in Beijing only got the opportunity to request vaccines for their local employees. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Health Commission confirmed that the priority vaccination plan excluded expats and citizens of Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao.
Japan hasn't communication officially on the vaccination of expatriates. However, the Japanese Minister of Administrative Affairs recently wrote on Twitter that foreign nationals, including expatriates and diplomats living in Japan, could be vaccinated provided they are registered as residents at the nearest municipality. Those who are not registered should contact the local authorities in the region where they currently live.
France hasn't made any special arrangements either for the French living overseas. In December 2020, the State secretary who is responsible for French people living overseas indicated that their vaccination would depend on the availability of vaccines in their host country. However, France has pledged to provide financial aids for French people living in countries where the vaccine isn't free of charge. In fact, in countries where the vaccine is paid for, the Caisse des Fran莽ais de l'脡tranger (CFE) guarantees 100% coverage in the limit of 60 euros for two injections upon presentation of an invoice. French people returning to France during the crisis can also be vaccinated for free. On the other hand, American expats living abroad are advised to follow the instructions issued by the local authorities since COVID-19 vaccination overseas is not covered by the US government.
In Switzerland, frauds were reported during the vaccination campaign. The government, therefore, warns to foreigners to avoid travelling to Switzerland just for the sake of being vaccinated against COVID-19. Only frontier workers and residents with Swiss insurance can be vaccinated free of charge in their respective cantons. An exception is also made for foreign healthcare professionals who are in contact with patients in Swiss hospitals even if they don't have a Swiss insurance card.
In Kuwait, segmented expat groups have been placed on the free vaccination priority list, including seniors and front-liners. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates requires three mandatory documents from expatriates who wish to be vaccinated -- an Emirati ID card, a copy of their residence visa and a medical certificate attesting that they are suffering from a chronic disease.
