Coronavirus: German companies plan charter flight to send workers back to China

Talks are under way for ‘a fast-track procedure’ allowing employees of German companies to re-enter China on the special flight, says a business leader

In March, China cut most flights into and out of the country, and imposed a ban on most foreigners, even those with valid residence visas

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Talks are under way for ‘a fast-track procedure’ allowing employees of German firms to re-enter China on a special flight. Photo: dpa via AP

Published: 10:01pm, 13 May 2020Updated: 5:02am, 14 May 2020

German companies are preparing to charter a flight to China this month, a business leader said on Wednesday, in a sign that Beijing may further ease a ban on most foreigners that was imposed to avoid importing virus cases.

Talks are under way for “a fast-track procedure” allowing employees of German firms to re-enter China on the special flight, said Jens Hildebrandt, executive director for the German Chamber of Commerce in North China.

The aim is to help companies bring back “urgently required personnel”, with the German embassy and German chamber working with Chinese authorities to make this happen as soon as May 25.

“We hope that this can serve as a blueprint to get more foreign employees back to China,” said Hildebrandt, adding that the process generally applies to staff who hold valid residence permits.

There may be more charter flights later, if the first proves to be successful, he said.

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