UAE offices to close for National Day

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Government offices will close for five days in early December in observance of the country’s National Day.

What does the change mean? Processing of visas, work permits and other immigration-related services will be delayed.

• Implementation timeframe: Most government offices will be closed Dec. 2-6.
• Visas/permits affected: All visas, work permits and other immigration-related services.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals applying for services.
• Impact on processing times: The holiday break will cause a delay of five business days.
• Business impact: Businesses should factor the holiday break into their schedules.
• Next steps: Offices will remain open through  1 before closing.

Background: The UAE’s National Day celebrates the unification of the seven emirates and the founding of the country in 1971. The government announced this week that most government offices will be closed Dec. 2-6, while private sector workers would be given a one-day holiday Dec. 2.

BAL Analysis: Companies should plan to build an additional week into their timeframes and, if possible, submit filings before the holiday break.

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

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