Changes set for in-person appointment process for foreign employees

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The General Directorate of Migration has made changes to the in-person appointment process for foreign employees applying for work and residency permits and other services.

What does the change mean? Foreign assignees appearing for their appointment may now only be accompanied by a lawyer who presents an ID and a power of attorney—non-lawyers are not allowed to perform this function—and the assignees must be present and confirm that the lawyer is representing them. The directorate recently completed a two-week phase-in period where foreign employees were required to appear in-person for each step of the process as part of a government audit of the directorate, but the requirement is no longer in effect.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Temporary and permanent residency permits.
• Business impact: Companies may need to make available a credentialed attorney to accompany assignees to their appointments. 
• Next steps: Foreign employees who wish to be accompanied to their appointment should be prepared to go with a lawyer who will be required to present an ID and a power of attorney.

Analysis & Comments: Foreign work and residency permit applicants are required to appear at the directorate when they submit their documents—and attend a medical exam the same day—and may need a lawyer to advocate for them if any questions arise. Employers should ensure that foreign applicants are only accompanied by an attorney when they attend their appointment at the directorate.

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.