Labor strikes causing some delays

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? A strike by government employees at several ministries is causing delays in visa processing and other immigration-related matters. The strike currently includes employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (which includes the Immigration Department), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Social Security.

What does the change mean? Although applications continue to be processed, employers and individuals should expect delays when applying for a visa, obtaining a CUIL (social security) number and other procedures.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Visas and other immigration-related services.
• Who is affected: Companies and individuals applying for Argentine visas, social security numbers and other services.
• Impact on processing times: The delays vary according to the department. Social security numbers are delayed by two days and visa processing is experiencing sporadic delays of several days.
• Business impact: Employers should plan for delays of several days for various processes and a possible backlog when the strike ends.
• Next steps: The strike is expected to end in the coming days.

Background: Government employees began labor stoppages Monday to protest the dismissal of thousands of state workers when new officials took office.

BAL Analysis: Although the strike is expected to end soon, employers should note that government services are affected and delays may continue even after employees resume work.

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

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