Appointments, 30-day waits now required for residence permit applications
21 Nov 18
EGYPT
IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Egypt has added an in-person appointment requirement for all foreign nationals applying for a residence permit.
What does the change mean? Foreign nationals who submit a residence permit application are now required to schedule an in-person appointment with immigration authorities to submit the application. Thirty days after the appointment is scheduled, applicants may file the residence permit documentation. Appointments should be scheduled at an immigration office branch located near the employer, rather than at the main immigration department in Cairo.
- Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
- Visas/permits affected: Residence permits.
- Who is affected: Foreign nationals applying for an Egyptian residence permit.
- Impact on processing times: The change adds a 30-day wait period to obtain a residence permit as well as potentially long wait times to schedule and attend an in-person appointment with immigration authorities.
Background: Applicants are reminded that Egypt does not offer permanent residency to foreign nationals. Foreign persons who are married to an Egyptian are granted five-year residence permits that may be renewed as long as the marriage continues. Other foreign nationals may obtain limited long-term temporary residency and limited long-term temporary residence permits to remain in Egypt on a semi-permanent basis. The appointment requirement and 30-day waiting period applies to residence permits and long-term temporary residence and limited long-term temporary residence permits.
Analysis & Comments: The change will cause significant delays for foreign nationals applying for residence permits, as the change adds an additional step as well as an automatic 30-day extension to the application period.
Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.
