Migration authorities announce holiday closures

Migration authorities announce holiday closures

Medium Priority

What is the immigration news? Migration authority offices will be closed for roughly 10 days for the winter holidays. Exact schedules will vary from canton to canton.

Visa and work permit applications that are pending during the holidays may be delayed. Employers and foreign nationals should submit applications as soon as possible and account for potential delays in processing.

  • Implementation: Roughly Dec. 24 to Jan. 2.
  • Who is affected: Anyone seeking services from migration offices in Switzerland.
  • Processing:All in-country migration processing and other government services will be suspended.
  • Impact on business:Businesses may need to make minor adjustments to account for the holiday closures.

Additional information: Although most offices will be closed from Dec. 24 to Jan. 2, several cantonal authorities have announced varying holiday schedules. Please see below for specific closure dates by canton and authority.

Canton Labor Market Authority Migration Authority
Berne open on Dec. 27-28 and Jan. 2 open on Dec. 27-28 and Jan. 2
Basel open on Jan. 2 open on Jan. 2
Genève open on Jan. 2 open on Jan. 2
Lucerne open on Dec. 27-28 open on Dec. 27-28
Zug closed until Jan. 4 closed until Jan. 4

BAL Analysis: Employers and employees should plan to submit any time-sensitive applications ahead of the holiday closures. Please contact your local authorities for exact schedules and closure dates.

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

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