High Holidays to delay processing

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, followed by Sukkot, will close offices in Israel and some consulates abroad.

What does the change mean? Applicants should expect delays during September and early October.

• Implementation time frame: Sept. 14-15; Sept. 22-23; Sept. 28-Oct. 4.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits and visas.
• Who is affected: Applicants seeking processing in Israel and at consulates that choose to observe the holidays.
• Impact on processing times: Processing will be suspended during the holidays.
• Business impact: The holidays will cause intermittent delays that may be followed by a backlog, and businesses should plan accordingly.

Background: Rosh Hashanah, or New Year’s Day, will be observed as a two-day celebration Sept. 14-15. Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, begins at sundown Sept. 22 and is observed through fasting, prayer and solemn contemplation until it concludes at sundown the next day. The harvest festival of Sukkot, or the Feast of the Tabernacles, will be observed Sept. 28-Oct. 4. Structures made of vegetation are traditionally built during the holiday to commemorate the Jewish exodus from Egypt and 40 years spent in the desert living in huts.

BAL Analysis: Employers should submit applications before the holidays where possible. Overseas applicants should contact the relevant Israeli consulate for individual holiday schedules.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Israel. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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