Immigration processing suspended during Passover

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Government offices are closed for Passover from April 10 through April 23.

What does the change mean? Processing of visa applications and work permits will be suspended.

• Implementation timeframe: April 10 through April 23.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits and visas.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals applying for visas and work permits.
• Impact on processing times: Delays.

Background: The holiday suspension of immigration processing comes in the wake of a worker strike in the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which occupied most of March and concluded April 2. The strike created a backlog of applications. Overseas Israeli consulates may also suspend or limit processing during the holiday period, and schedules will vary from consulate to consulate.

BAL Analysis: Applicants for visas and work permits should check with their local consulates for information on operating hours during the holiday. The office holiday closings and limitations mean that the delays created by the recent strike may continue for some time beyond the agency’s return to work after Passover. The Ministry has not provided any estimates on how long it will take to clear the backlog.

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