Sept. 30 office closure could mean October delays

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? A Ministry of Interior office that serves areas in central, west and north-west Prague will close its doors Sept. 30. A new office serving the same area is slated to open in November. Applicants will be able to use an alternative Ministry of Interior office in the interim, but delays are expected and a limited number of appointments will be available.

What does the change mean? Those in need of immigration services in Prague 1, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9 should consider filing applications or making appointments as soon as possible at the Ministry of Interior Office at Koněvova 188/32, Prague 3 near Vítkov Hill. This office is designated for closure Sept. 30.

• Implementation time frame:  30.
• Visas/permits affected:All immigration services.
• Who is affected:Foreign nationals seeking immigration services in and around Prague 1, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
• Impact on processing times:Processing times could be delayed after the Prague 3 office closes due to limited resources before a new office opens in November. 

Background: Beginning Oct. 1, those in need of immigration services in Prague 1, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9 will be directed to the Ministry of Interior Office at Cigánkova 1861/2, Prague 4. However, because this office will be handling its usual workload in addition to serving new customers, delays and a limited number of appointments are expected. A new office will open at Žukovského 888/2, Prague 6 in November, but until then slower processing should be expected.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals in and around Prague should check to be sure services they need are being offered at Ministry of Interior offices they intend to visit. Companies should expect delays in October and file time-sensitive applications as soon as possible.

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

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