Offices to close for one week

IMPACT – MEDIUM 

What is the change? Government offices will close Oct. 1-7 in observance of China’s National Day.

What does the change mean? Applicants should expect delays in October.

• Implementation time frame: Oct. 1-7.
• Visas/permits affected: Visas, permits and other immigration-related services.
• Who is affected: Anyone needing to obtain immigration-related government services in China or at a Chinese consulate abroad.
• Impact on processing times: Processing will be halted Oct. 1-7; delays and backlogs should be expected when offices reopen.
• Business Impact: Businesses should be prepared for a post-holiday backlog and may need to adjust timelines and start dates.

Background: National Day marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China on Oct. 1, 1949 and kicks off a seven-day Golden Week celebration across China.

BAL Analysis: Companies and foreign employees with questions about closures in China or at Chinese consulates or embassies abroad should contact their BAL attorney or local officials. Those in need of services should plan around the scheduled closures.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in China. For additional information, please contact china@bal.com.

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