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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? The Islamic month of Ramadan is expected to begin around May 26 and processing will slow down as offices in countries with majority or significant Muslim populations will curtail their working hours during the month.
What does the change mean? Employers and individuals should anticipate shorter business hours from approximately May 26 through June 25, and offices will close for three or more days immediately thereafter for the Eid holiday. If possible, employers should file applications to obtain decisions on any urgent cases before Ramadan begins.
Background: Ramadan is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar and is a time during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and increase time spent in prayer and introspection. The month is expected to begin on the evening of May 26 and end June 25, but lunar dates vary by one to two days depending on local practices. Individual countries typically announce the first day of Ramadan closer to the beginning of the month when actual or predicted moon sightings are confirmed.
Working hours also vary by country and government offices tend to close early. The Eid al-Fitr holiday, immediately following Ramadan, will close offices for three or more days in countries across the Middle East, North and West Africa, and Central and Southeast Asia. In April, Malaysia’s e-Xpats Service Centre announced filing deadlines in advance of the Eid holiday (Hari Raya Aidil Fitri) June 23-27.
BAL Analysis: Businesses and travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and file time-sensitive applications as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays, and check with individual offices for Ramadan hours.
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.
What is the change? South Korea will observe a series of public holidays on May 3, 5 and 9. A number of South Korean companies will also observe May 2, 4 or both days as temporary holidays.
What does the change mean? Government offices will be closed and in-country immigration processing will be suspended on the public holidays (May 3, 5 and 9), while many South Korean companies will also be closed on May 2 and/or 4.
Background: Government offices will be closed May 3 for Buddha’s Birthday, May 5 for Children’s Day and May 9 for the country’s presidential election. Government offices, including immigration offices, will be open on May 2 and 4, but many South Korean companies will also be closed on either May 2 or May 4, or on both days.
BAL Analysis: Employers should plan for the upcoming office closures and, if needed, file time-sensitive applications and notifications before May 3. South Korean embassies and consulates around the world may be closed for the holidays as well, though schedules may vary.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in South Korea. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
What is the change? Government offices in countries throughout much of Europe, the Americas and other parts of the world that celebrate Easter holidays will close from Friday through Monday in observance of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. This year, Orthodox Easter coincides with the Gregorian calendar and will be observed on the same dates.
What does the change mean? Applicants should expect a slowdown in processing during the holiday break and potential backlogs when offices reopen.
BAL Analysis: Applicants should check with their BAL professional for holiday dates of individual countries. Those seeking consular processing should also note that embassies and consulates may observe unique holiday schedules.
An attack on the Westminster Bridge near the U.K. Parliament in London left at least five people dead, including the assailant, and dozens injured. The attack left parts of London on lockdown Wednesday. Authorities advised U.K. and foreign nationals to monitor their security.
Key points:
BAL Analysis: U.K. and foreign nationals in or around London should exercise caution and expect the possibility of security-related delays when traveling in and around London.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact BerryApplemanLeiden@bal.com.
BAL is ranked as a top firm in the Global-wide category in the newly released Chambers Global Guide, an annual ranking of the best international law firms based on independent research and interviews with lawyers and clients worldwide.
Chambers recognizes BAL as a “highly respected firm specializing in corporate global mobility that offers clients the full spectrum of immigration services in addition to providing policy development and compliance advice. The firm is also particularly renowned for its work in the USA, especially in key jurisdictions such as Silicon Valley, and for its coverage of the UK, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region.”
BAL is praised for its strong immigration practices, and Chambers sources stated that, “their immigration work is absolutely excellent,” adding, “They provide in-depth analysis on all jurisdictions and have a really high level of expertise.” Sources also noted BAL’s global reach, stating that the team has “a broad international practice and really strong expertise in the USA.”
Notable practitioners listed for BAL include Managing Partner Jeremy Fudge, Founding Partner David Berry, Europe Managing Director Emily King, Asia Managing Director Christina Karl, and Latin America Managing Director Daniela Lima.
About Chambers Global
Since 1990, Chambers has published an annual guide ranking the world’s best lawyers based on technical expertise, business acumen, prompt delivery, and value for money. A team of over 140 researchers conducts thousands of interviews worldwide to produce the rankings. Lawyers cannot buy their way into Chamber’s rankings; as a result, its annual directories are considered among the most accurate and reliable.
As a result of a deteriorating security situation and fears of violence amid anti-government protests, the United States, the United Kingdom and Belgium have issued statements warning against travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and urging foreign nationals to leave that country if their continuing presence is not essential. On Tuesday morning, up to 20 protestors were killed in clashes with security forces in Kinshasa.
Background: The recent travel warnings by the U.S. and European governments indicate concerns about escalating anti-government protests as President Joseph Kabila’s term runs out. Constitutional term limits required Kabila to step down when his second mandate ended at midnight on Monday. However, the DRC’s electoral commission postponed the national elections until April 2018 because of inadequate resources and a constitutional court ruling earlier this year confirming that Kabila can remain in power until a successor is elected.
BAL Analysis: All foreign nationals in the DRC should review their security situation; those in need of immigration services should anticipate delays in processing through the next several weeks.
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? Christmas and New Year’s will slow immigration processing across much of the world at the end of the year and in early 2017.
What does the change mean? Applicants should anticipate closures of government and private offices for at least two days on and around Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. 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. 26 and Jan. 2.
Asia: Most countries will observe one or more days for Christmas and New Year’s.
Oceania:
Middle East: Christmas and New Year’s are not observed as public holidays, but some private offices may close.
BAL Analysis: Applicants should plan to file any time-sensitive applications as early as possible before the holiday break to avoid additional delays.
What is the change? Taiwan has added nine countries to its electronic visa program.
What does the change mean? Nationals of the following countries may apply for visitor visas online: Bahrain, Dominica, Kuwait, Montenegro, Oman, the Philippines (for a one-year trial period), Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Background: Taiwan introduced its eVisa program last year to nationals of 27 countries. eVisas are appropriate for business visitors, tourists and those visiting family members or attending a conference, trade show or other event sponsored by the Taiwanese government or nongovernmental organizations. Work permits are still required for engaging in productive employment.
BAL Analysis: The expansion of Taiwan’s eVisa program will benefit additional nationals visiting as tourists or for certain business purposes.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Taiwan. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
What is the change? Violent protests erupted in Bangalore Monday following a Supreme Court ruling directing the state of Karnataka to provide more water to the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. Protestors raided shops and set cars on fire, according to numerous media outlets. Authorities said they were invoking a section of the criminal code that restricts public.
What does the change mean? Foreign nationals in Bangalore or other areas affected by violence should take personal care and observe security measures. Anyone in need of immigration services should be prepared for possible delays in service. Those with appointments should contact the relevant office or visa center to check whether the office is open and determine whether they need to change appointment times.
Background: India’s Supreme Court ruled on a long-running water dispute between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, angering residents of Karnataka by directing the state to provide more water to its neighbor. Protestors in Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka and one of India’s leading technology hubs, erupted into violence following the ruling. Authorities invoked Section 144 of the criminal procedure code to restrict public assembly. It remained unclear what public services would be available in the coming days. Even before the protests escalated Monday, the U.S. State Department urged U.S. nationals in Bangalore to avoid demonstrations, monitor local media and maintain a “high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.”
BAL Analysis: Employers should account for all employees in or near Bangalore. Those in the area should follow security measures and avoid unnecessary travel. Foreign nationals in need of immigration or other government services should be prepared for delays in processing and should check with the relevant office before traveling to a consulate or visa center for an appointment.
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What is the change? Government offices will close this month in a number of Muslim countries for the Day of Arafah and the Eid al-Adha holiday.
What does the change mean? Employers and foreign nationals who need government services should submit applications as soon as possible to avoid holiday-related delays.
Background: The Day of Arafah is considered the holiest day of Islam and falls on the second day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It is followed by Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and honors Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice is son to God. Eid al-Adha is also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, Eid-e-Ghorban, Kurban Bayramı or Hari Raya, among other names. Closures vary from country to country and in some cases will be set when the new moon appears. In most countries that celebrate the holiday, government offices will be closed for at least two days.
Saudi Arabia is likely to observe the Day of Arafah on Sept. 10 and Eid al-Adha for up to 10 days beginning Sept. 11. Other Gulf Cooperation Council countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates – are likely to follow Saudi Arabia’s schedule, though in some instances the holiday period will be shorter. The UAE, for example, is expected to celebrate Eid al-Adha for a four-day period beginning Sept. 11. Government offices in Turkey are expected to be closed for roughly 10 days beginning Sept. 10.
BAL Analysis: Affected companies and foreign employees should check with their local officials for the exact dates when offices will be closed. Government services tend to slow down in some areas, especially in Saudi Arabia, not only during Eid al-Adha but throughout the Hajj season when millions of pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia and many government officials undertake the pilgrimage themselves. Those in need of government services this month should submit applications as soon as possible in order to minimize delays.