Government offices will close next week in Muslim countries throughout the world for the Eid al-Adha holiday.

Key Points:

  • Saudi Arabia’s government offices will close on July 15 to July 25 for Eid al-Adha.
  • Other countries will observe shorter closures, beginning on or around July 19 and ending on or around July 22; exact holiday dates and government office closures will differ from country to country and, in some cases, are not yet set. Employers and employees should check with local authorities for exact closure dates.
  • Employers and foreign nationals who need government services should submit applications as soon as possible and expect processing delays in the coming weeks.

Background: Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, Eid-e-Ghorban, Kurban Bayramı or Hari Raya, marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and will begin on or around July 19.

BAL Analysis: Government services slow down throughout the Eid al-Adha season and many government offices will close for extended periods of time. Embassies and consulates around the world also observe the holiday, though schedules may vary. Overseas applicants should contact their relevant embassy or consulate for specific holiday schedules. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible to avoid holiday-related delays.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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