National holidays to delay processing

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Chinese government offices will be closed Oct. 1-7 in observance of National Day.

What does the change mean? The closures will halt work permit processing for one week.

• Implementation timeframe: Oct. 1 – 7.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits, renewals and related government services.
• Who is affected: Companies and foreign employees and assignees applying for the above.
• Impact on processing times: Applicants should expect delays of one week.
• Next steps: Work with your BAL attorney to plan for the interruption in services.

Background: Chinese National Day is celebrated for one week, including weekends, beginning Oct. 1. Hong Kong will observe two days of holidays, Oct. 1 for National Day and Oct. 2 for the Chung Yeung Festival.

BAL Analysis: Clients should plan ahead and submit time-sensitive filings as early as possible before the holiday break. Note that the Sunday before the holiday period, Sept. 28, and the Saturday following the holiday period, Oct. 11, are official working days. 

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in China. For additional information, please contact china@bal.com.

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