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IMPACT – HIGH
What is the change? The Christmas and New Year’s holidays will slow immigration processing across much of the world at the end of the year and in early 2018.
What does the change mean? Applicants should anticipate closures of government and private offices for at least two days on and around Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Many countries celebrate longer breaks and shut down for several weeks.
Below is a summary of closures by region with noted countries that observe longer breaks.
Africa: Christmas and New Year’s coincide with the traditional summer holiday in much of Africa.
Europe: Longer breaks of one week or more are typical.
Latin America: Most government immigration offices will close Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Asia: Most countries will observe one or more days for Christmas and New Year’s.
Oceania:
Middle East: Christmas is not observed as a public holiday, but some private offices may close.
North America:
BAL Analysis: Applicants should plan to file any time-sensitive applications as early as possible before the holiday break to avoid additional delays.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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