Honduras has been one of the Central American countries most affected by the Covid-19, with a total of 10,739 confirmed cases since the outbreak of the pandemic. After some hard and difficult times, not only at the health level but also at the economic and social level, Honduras is beginning to take its first steps towards a ”new normality”. Having experienced an extraordinary situation that no country expected, Honduras is proposing a series of economic and social measures through which it seeks to reactivate the economy in a safe manner. Below, we present the news on legislation and regulations that the Honduran government has presented throughout the month of June.
The population is informed that as of June 8, 2020, measures contained in biosafety protocols must be applied. Companies and the general population are informed that when they are working within the framework of the reopening of the economy, the biosafety protocols authorized by the State must be applied. Companies and employers must supply their workers with the corresponding equipment and those who do not receive it are not obliged to work nor will they be subject to disciplinary or administrative sanctions as a result. Persons over 60, pregnant, hypertensive, diabetic, with cancer or with any other high-risk disease that keeps their immune system compromised, will NOT be obliged to report to work nor will they be subject to sanctions. Companies are obliged to provide a means of transportation for their employees while public transportation is not authorized to operate.
It is reported that as of June 8, 2020, several public institutions are authorized to reopen, including the National Commission of Banks and Insurance, CONATEL, Ministry of Finance, Central Bank, ARSA, Secretary of Economic Development, etc. Only 20% of the employees of each institution are to report to work in person. This 20% may not include personnel over 60 years of age or those who have a chronic illness.
The Gradual and Responsible Reincorporation Process for Face-to-Face Work is approved through Agreement No. PCSJ-34-2020. The Gradual and Responsible Reincorporation Process for Face-to-Face Work is approved, which must be carried out gradually from June 15, 2020, on non-vulnerable public servants.
The Secretary of State in the Security Office will authorize the reopening of shops and companies in general as of June 8, 2020. Shops and companies will be authorized to open for business starting June 8 taking into account the plan for smart opening adopted by the government of the republic and applying the biosafety protocols that have been approved. Companies that wish to operate must request a waiver through the channels approved by the government. Visitors to each business will be attended to upon presentation of their identity card, passport, and/or residence card.
The following businesses are excluded from reopening: urban and interurban public transportation, bars, discos, cinemas, gyms, theaters, sporting events, convention centers, airports, and educational centers at the primary, secondary and higher levels; meetings in private homes of more than 10 people are prohibited.
Movement is authorized throughout the national territory. The authorized movement of persons nationwide is regulated by the last digit of their identity card, passport, or resident card, beginning on Monday, June 8 with last number 6 authorized to circulate and ending on Friday, June 12, 2020, with last number 0. More information at this link.
The absolute curfew is extended from June 14, 2020, to June 28, 2020, segmenting the public in conducting activities by the last digit of an individual’s identity card, passport, and/or residence card. The following will not reopen to the public: urban and interurban public transportation, bars, discos, cinemas, gyms, theaters, sporting events, convention centers, airports, and educational centers at their primary, secondary and higher levels. Also, gatherings in private homes of more than 10 persons are prohibited.
Suspension of legal terms is extended until June 29, 2020. The suspension of legal deadlines until June 29, 2020, for the procedures initiated at the request of the interested party and ex officio before the SAR is approved.
Airports operations remain closed until new guidelines are issued:
- Honduran international airports remain closed until the Central Government issues new guidelines. Meanwhile, Ramon Villeda Morales Airport is authorized to provide air traffic service from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. for regular and non-regular cargo flights of national and foreign companies established in the country.
- Flights with Honduran entry or foreign departure from national territory must be authorized by the relevant diplomatic missions or Honduran consular representations via direct communication with the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (SRE).
- The SRE will manage and coordinate the departure of foreigners upon receipt of a request sent by their diplomatic or consular representations accredited in Honduras.
With these changes and developments, Honduras seeks to respond and effectively address the challenges that arise, not only in the country but also globally. At Auxadi we are experts in providing value added services in accounting, tax compliance and international payroll management. We work every day to keep abreast of all legislative developments at an international level, which is crucial in extraordinary and uncertain times such as the ones we are experiencing. If you need to expand on what is set out here, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Information developed in collaboration with Resolve BPO.
All information contained in this publication is up to date on 2020. This content has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only, and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this chart without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this content, and, to the extent permitted by law, AUXADI does not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this chart or for any decision based on it.