Employers should plan ahead for October holiday closures

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Israeli government offices will be closed for almost all of October as the country celebrates the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Yom Kippur and Sukkot.

What does the change mean? Applicants with time-sensitive applications should file them as soon as possible and anticipate delays when offices reopen.

• Implementation time frame: October 2016.
• Visas/permits affected: All visas, permits and other immigration-related services.
• Who is affected: Anyone in need of immigration-related services.
• Impact on processing times: Processing times for all work permits and visas are expected to be delayed during October and into November, when offices reopen.
• Business impact: Employers should factor in the holiday closures and ensuing delays when planning business schedules and start dates.

Background: Offices will be closed for nearly the entire month of October for Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Yom Kippur and Sukkot. During October, the Ministry of Interior will only be open the following days: Oct. 5-6, 9-10, 13, 25-27 and 30-31. The Work Permit Unit will only be open to the public for three days (Oct. 10, 25 and 31) for submission of work permit applications or receipt of approvals. Israeli consular posts abroad will also suspend operations or operate on significantly reduced schedules.

BAL Analysis: Employers should factor in the holiday break when planning for work permits. B-1 work permits take about three months to process, so those aiming for an October start date should file applications as soon as possible. Those applying abroad 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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