IMPACT – HIGH

The Egyptian government has announced travel and immigration restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • Inbound and outbound passenger flights have been suspended by the Egyptian government. Inbound and outbound commercial passenger flights shall not begin operating again until further notice. Only special flights, arranged by the government, to return Egyptian nationals who have contacted Egyptian embassies in advance, to Egypt.
  • The majority of the government bodies have suspended its services until April 23. Services provided by free zone, labor and immigration authorities are included in the suspension.
  • Pending immigration applications are now on hold and expired work and residence permits extensions are not possible currently.
  • Individuals outside Egypt who have work and residence permits that have expired could be required to secure a new entry visa to come back to the country following the expiration of their permits.

Analysis & Comments: The new travel and immigration restrictions will impact the movement of people into Egypt. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Significant delays may occur for consular and in-country processing. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Egypt has added an in-person appointment requirement for all foreign nationals applying for a residence permit.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals who submit a residence permit application are now required to schedule an in-person appointment with immigration authorities to submit the application. Thirty days after the appointment is scheduled, applicants may file the residence permit documentation. Appointments should be scheduled at an immigration office branch located near the employer, rather than at the main immigration department in Cairo.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Residence permits.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals applying for an Egyptian residence permit.
  • Impact on processing times: The change adds a 30-day wait period to obtain a residence permit as well as potentially long wait times to schedule and attend an in-person appointment with immigration authorities.

Background: Applicants are reminded that Egypt does not offer permanent residency to foreign nationals. Foreign persons who are married to an Egyptian are granted five-year residence permits that may be renewed as long as the marriage continues. Other foreign nationals may obtain limited long-term temporary residency and limited long-term temporary residence permits to remain in Egypt on a semi-permanent basis. The appointment requirement and 30-day waiting period applies to residence permits and long-term temporary residence and limited long-term temporary residence permits.

Analysis & Comments: The change will cause significant delays for foreign nationals applying for residence permits, as the change adds an additional step as well as an automatic 30-day extension to the application period.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

What is the change? Visa applicants at the German Embassy in Cairo are experiencing delays due to an increased number of visa applications.

What does the change mean? Currently, visa appointments at the German Embassy in Cairo appear to be booked through May, indicating an increase in wait times. Those submitting visa applications at the embassy should expect delays and plan accordingly.

  • Implementation timeframe: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: National visa types.
  • Who is affected: People applying for national visas at the German Embassy in Cairo.
  • Business impact: Business travelers may need to adjust timelines if their visa appointments or visa processing are delayed.

BAL Analysis: Those in need of visa services should expect delays as described above. Applicants are encouraged to plan their travel well in advance to accommodate the extended wait times.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2018 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Egypt has ended visa-free travel to the country for Qatari nationals, the latest move in the diplomatic crisis between Qatar and its Persian Gulf neighbors and their allies.

What does the change mean? Qatari nationals must apply for a visa before traveling to Egypt.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Entry visas.
  • Who is affected: Qatari nationals traveling to Egypt. Officials have said that Qatari nationals with Egyptian spouses or mothers will be considered for exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
  • Impact on processing times: The change will add to the time it takes for Qatari nationals to travel to Egypt because they will be required to apply for a visa before travel.
  • Business impact: Qatari nationals traveling to Egypt may need to adjust their schedules into account for the new visa requirement.

Background: Tensions have been building between Egypt and Qatar for months. Qatar had been closely scrutinizing Egyptian visa applications even before Egypt and more than a dozen other countries cut ties with the country last month. The countries claim that Doha sponsors terrorism and is a threat to destabilize the region. Qatar says the allegations are baseless. The countries that either cut or downgraded diplomatic ties with Qatar last month include Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Mauritius, Niger, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, the UAE and Yemen.

BAL Analysis: Qatari nationals planning travel to Egypt should take note of the change and arrange to apply for a visa if necessary. The diplomatic crisis continues to evolve. Many of the countries that cut or downgraded ties have not imposed travel restrictions, but others have. Those planning travel to or from the countries involved in the crisis may wish to check with their airline or BAL ahead of time. BAL is following developments and will alert clients to additional changes.

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.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? In a signal that Qatar is facing increasing isolation from its neighbors, several countries – Bahrain, Egypt, the temporary Libyan government, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, as well as the Maldives and Mauritius – have severed diplomatic and other ties with Doha, claiming that Qatar sponsors terrorism and threatens to destabilize the region.

What does the change mean? Travelers should anticipate disruptions, as Saudi Arabia has closed air travel and its land and sea borders with the small Gulf nation, and the UAE expelled Qatari diplomats and suspended flights on Etihad, FlyDubai and Emirates Airlines to and from Doha. Qatar Airways has announced it will cease all flights to and from Saudi Arabia, and the UAE will likely ban the airline from its airspace. Egypt closed its seaports and airspace to all Qatari travel. Bahrain expelled Qatari diplomats and ordered their diplomats home.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Who is affected: Companies and individuals conducting business or traveling between Qatar and any of the eight countries, and especially those who commute to Doha from Dubai. Qatari residents and visitors have been given 14 days to leave the UAE, and UAE nationals have been banned from traveling to Qatar (even if transiting).
  • Business impact: Business travelers may face delays or canceled flights, and other restrictions may be imposed if the diplomatic disputes escalate.
  • Next steps: Employers sending individuals to Qatar may need to rearrange business schedules and should contact their BAL professional for alternate planning. For now, it appears that Kuwait and Oman are maintaining their relations with Qatar, and those two countries will likely be the most convenient transit points for travel between Doha and other GCC countries.

Background: The three Gulf countries leading this initiative accuse Qatar of supporting terrorist groups including al-Qaeda and ISIS. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry called the accusations “baseless” and said the blockade had “no legitimate justification.”

Qatar has maintained a rocky relationship with its GCC co-members for almost two decades, but the rift has widened in recent months over several issues. Qatar criticized the anti-Iran rhetoric following U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech in Saudi Arabia; soon after the UAE and other GCC countries cut access to media from Doha-based Al Jazeera. Egypt has also accused Doha of meddling in its politics, and last month Qatar began denying visas and visas-on-arrival to Egyptian nationals.

BAL Analysis: The situation is evolving and may change quickly. BAL is following developments and will alert clients to any additional changes or restrictions.  

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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has postponed implementation of a decision that would have ended visas on arrival beginning May 15.

What does the change mean? Travelers from qualifying countries may continue to use visas on arrival until Egypt implements a new electronic visa system that is expected to replace visas on arrival.

  • Implementation timeframe: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Visas on arrival.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals from qualifying countries, including the U.S. and most of Europe.
  • Impact on processing times: Visas on arrival eliminate the need to apply for a visa ahead of travel.
  • Business impact: Although business travelers often rely on visas on arrival, they are advised to apply for business visas before travel to be in full compliance with Egyptian law.

Background: Last month, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that visas on arrival would no longer be issued as of May 15. The move was aimed at tracking foreign visitors for security reasons. Egyptian embassies in the U.S. and U.K. also posted notices that all foreign nationals should apply for visas in advance of travel.

On April 2, the ministry announced that it will postpone the end of visas on arrival until it implements an electronic visa system that will track all foreign visitors. The Egyptian Embassy in the U.K. also updated its notice to state that tourists may continue to obtain visas on arrival until the electronic system is implemented. A date for that system has not been set.

This is not the first time Egypt has retracted an announcement of an end to visas on arrival. In 2011, the ministry similarly announced that it would end visas on arrival, but revoked its decision after protests from Egyptians and foreign nationals.

BAL Analysis: Business travelers from the U.S. and Europe often rely on visas on arrival for short business trips to Egypt. While this is sometimes allowed for limited, one-off activities, it is recommended that they obtain business visas before travel to avoid any possibility of being turned away upon arrival in Egypt.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2016 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that it will end tourist visas on arrival beginning May 15, and some Egyptian embassies have updated their websites to require all individual visitors to obtain a visa before travel.

What does the change mean? Foreign business travelers are advised to obtain a visa before travel.

  • Implementation timeframe: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Visas on arrival, tourist and business visas.
  • Who is affected: All foreign nationals visiting Egypt.
  • Impact on processing times: The change will increase processing times for business travelers, as they will need to apply for and obtain a visa from an Egyptian consular post before traveling.
  • Business impact: The move will slow business travelers, who are accustomed to relying on visas on arrival to conduct short-term activities such as attending meetings and conferences or participating in trainings. They will now have to plan business trips further in advance to allow for visa processing.

Background: The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that starting May 15, tourist visas on arrival will no longer be issued. The move is aimed at facilitating better tracking of foreign visitors for security reasons. The Egyptian embassies in the United States and United Kingdom updated their websites this week to state that all foreign nationals should apply for visas in advance and that visas on arrival will only be issued to tourist groups.

Currently, business travelers from qualifying countries, including the U.S. and most European nations, often rely on visas on arrival for short business trips. They will now have to apply for a visa at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consular post.

In 2011, the Foreign Ministry similarly announced it would end visas on arrival, but revoked its decision less than one week later, after protests from Egyptians and foreign nationals. While there are currently mixed messages from the Immigration Department and Foreign Ministry, the elimination of visas on arrival appears imminent this time.

BAL Analysis: Foreign travelers should no longer rely on visas on arrival as of May 15. To avoid delays or being turned away at the airport, they should plan for the added processing time and apply for visas before travel.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2016 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Egypt has begun performing labor market testing before issuing any work permits to foreign nationals.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals should expect significant delays and increased difficulty in obtaining work permits.

  • Implementation timeframe: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected:Work permits.
  • Who is affected:Employers and foreign nationals applying for work permits in Egypt.
  • Impact on processing times:The government’s labor market testing is expected to cause significant delays in processing and make it more difficult to obtain a work permit. Previously, work permit processing took 15 to 60 days, depending on nationality.
  • Business impact: Employers in Egypt could have a much harder time hiring foreign nationals. Applications that were pending, however, should not be affected.
  • Next steps: Work permit applications now must be supported by a detailed job description, the applicant’s work experience and a description of how the applicant will benefit the host company, among other requirements.

Background: The objective of the new program is to address unemployment in Egypt. On Feb. 5, Egypt’s Ministry of Manpower stopped accepting all requests for work permits; the ministry has resumed processing but has added a new labor market testing rule. Under the new rules, once a work permit application is filed, the ministry will perform a labor market test to determine if Egyptians are available to fill the job. If it finds that Egyptians are available for the work, it will deny the application.

BAL Analysis: As these rules are new, the details have not been provided and they may be subject to change. It is unclear how long it will take for the ministry to perform the labor market tests, but employers applying for work permits should anticipate significant delays and be aware that they will have to provide more supporting documentation. BAL will continue following the situation and provide updates as necessary.

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

Copyright © 2016 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The British Embassy in Egypt has reopened after closing last week due to unspecified security concerns.

What does the change mean? Immigration, travel and other consular services have resumed.

  • Implementation timeframe: The embassy reopened Dec. 16.
  • Visas/permits affected: All visas.
  • Who is affected: Anyone applying for visas or in need of consular services at the British Embassy.
  • Impact on processing times: There may be longer wait times for visas and other services due to increased demand for embassy services resulting from the nine-day closure.
  • Business impact: Possible delays could impact business travelers.
  • Next steps: The embassy reopened Dec. 16, with British officials stating on the embassy’s website that “security issues related to the building were resolved in cooperation with the Egyptian government.”

Background: The British Embassy in Cairo closed and temporarily suspended services Dec. 7, citing security concerns. The Canadian Embassy closed the next day, also citing security concerns. While the British Embassy reopened, the Canadian Embassy remained closed as of Dec. 17.

BAL Analysis: The fact that the closure was relatively short is good news for visa applicants, who faced the possibility of long delays or having to apply outside Egypt when the embassy closed its doors last week. BAL will continue to monitor the status of the Canadian Embassy and will keep clients updated on its status.

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

Copyright © 2016 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.

The Immigration Office has reopened for business, but is operating on reduced hours. The immigration department, one of a number of government agencies that closed during the recent spate of violent conflicts in Cairo, is currently open until 12 p.m. each day. It is unknown when the office will return to normal working hours. BAL will continue to provide updates on the changing situation. Travel warnings issued by many countries remain in effect, and some nations have shuttered their foreign missions in Cairo until security is restored.

Clients are advised to avoid nonessential travel to Egypt and to expect delays in immigration processing.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Egypt. For additional information, please contact GlobalVisaGroup@bal.com.

Copyright © 2016 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.