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This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.
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The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr will close government offices and delay application processing in countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Embassies and consulates around the world will also be affected.
Key Points:
Additional Information: Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is often celebrated with three or more days of festivities. The holiday is also known as Ramazan Bayrami in Turkey, Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore, and Korité or Tabaski in West Africa.
BAL Analysis: Employers should anticipate delays because of the holiday and may need to adjust timelines and start dates. Companies may wish to contact their immigration provider for individual country and consular schedules.
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Copyright © 2022 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
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around April 2 and processing is expected to be delayed as government offices across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia have shorter working hours.
Additional Information: Ramadan is expected to begin April 2 but dates may vary depending on country-specific lunar sightings. Countries generally announce the first day of Ramadan closer to the beginning of the holy month when moon sighting predications are confirmed. Working hours vary from country to country; government offices generally close early.
BAL Analysis: Employers and employees are encouraged to plan ahead and file time-sensitive applications as soon as possible to avoid possible processing delays. Individuals should contact local authorities for more information on shorter working hours and closures. BAL will be monitoring government holiday announcements for Eid al-Fitr and will provide more information as it becomes available.
What is the change? The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which will begin the week of May 11, will close offices and delay application processing times in countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia as well as at consular missions around the world.
What does the change mean? Offices will close for one to 11 days, depending on the country. Applicants should expect delays in processing times for visas, work permits and similarly related items.
Background: Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated with three or more days of festivities. The holiday is also known as Ramazan Bayrami in Turkey, Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore, and Korité or Tabaski in West Africa.
Some countries will announce their holiday schedules closer to the end of Ramadan. Others have tentatively set the following public holiday schedules as follows:
Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate delays because of the holiday and may need to adjust timelines and start dates, especially in countries, such as Saudi Arabia, with a prolonged holiday period. Companies may wish to contact their immigration provider for individual country and consular schedules.
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