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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stopped accepting petitions for criminal background checks due to internal reorganization.
What does the change mean? People living in Venezuela who are trying to obtain visas or work permits for countries that require criminal background checks have had their processing delayed. It is unclear when the ministry will begin accepting petitions again.
Background: Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stopped accepting petitions for criminal background checks about two months ago. No reason was given, though the change appears to be due to internal reorganization. It is unclear when the ministry will begin accepting the petitions again. In the meantime, people who live in Venezuela who need a criminal background check should expect delays.
Other Ministry of Foreign Affairs services – such as the legalization and apostilization processes – have not changed dramatically, but remain relatively slow. Legalization and apostilization of documents required for visas and work permits currently takes about five weeks, sometimes longer.
BAL Analysis: Policies vary from country to country regarding whether criminal background checks are required from people living in Venezuela. In some cases, background checks are required even for people who lived in Venezuela years ago. The Ministry of Interior’s refusal to accept petitions for background checks has delayed visa and work permit processing for many people, and it is unclear when processing will resume.
This alert has been provided by BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Venezuela. For additional information please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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