Immigration Processing Delays Expected During Ramadan

Worldwide

Foreign nationals and their employers can expect immigration processing delays over the coming weeks in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and parts of Asia during the observance of the month of Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr. Many government offices worldwide reduce their hours and/or close during Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr.

In most of the world, Ramadan is expected to begin on May 26 and end on June 24, with both dates depending on lunar sightings. Eid-al-Fitr is expected to be observed June 25, though the exact dates will vary by country. Processing delays could continue in the weeks following Ramadan, due to application backlogs that accumulate during the closures.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of operating hours and office closures for Ramadan. Government office closures are expected in many countries for Eid-al-Fitr, though there have not been official announcements for most countries.

Algeria:  The month of Ramadan is expected to begin May 26 or 27 and end June 24 or 25, depending on lunar sightings.  While public offices are not officially closed during Ramadan, most government offices will open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m.  Government offices will also likely be closed on Eid-al-Fitr.  Processing delays can be expected for initial and renewal applications due to the reduced working hours.

Bangladesh:  The month of Ramadan will begin on May 26. While the government offices will operate with reduced workforce during this month and until June 29, they will be closed from June 23 through 27 in observation of Eid-ul-Fitr. Processing delays of pending applications should be expected throughout the month of Ramadan.

Brunei:  The month of Ramadan will begin on May 27.  Government offices, including the Immigration Department, Labour Department and Energy Industry Department of the Prime Minister's Office (EIDPMO), are expected to operate on reduced business hours throughout the month of Ramadan.  These offices will be closed for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday, which is expected to take place June 26 through 28, but may change depending on lunar sighting. Processing delays are expected throughout the month of Ramadan and may continue for up to two weeks after Ramadan ends.

Indonesia:  The month of Ramadan will begin on May 26, ending with Hari Raya Idul Fitri which will fall on June 25 and 26.  Most government offices and consular posts are expected to reduce their business days by one to two hours throughout the month of Ramadan, and closures will likely occur several days before and after the Idul Fitri holiday due to staffing shortages. Processing delays are also expected throughout the month of Ramadan.

Malaysia:  The month of Ramadan will begin on May 26.  Government offices, including the Immigration Department and other Work Pass adjudicating departments such as Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MDEC) and the MYXpats Centre, are expected to operate with reduced hours throughout the month of Ramadan.  Government offices will be closed for Hari Raya Aidilfitri on June 26 and 27.  The MDEC's eXpats centre will also be closed on June 23.  Processing delays are expected throughout the month of Ramadan and may continue for up to three weeks after Ramadan ends.

Middle East/North Africa (Bahrain, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates):  The month of Ramadan is expected to begin on May 27 and end on June 24.  Government offices across the Middle East will be working reduced hours during Ramadan, which may affect processing times for all immigration applications. Foreign nationals and employers are advised to check with the relevant office for exact hours of operation. Processing delays could continue in the weeks following Ramadan due to application backlogs that accumulate during the closures.

Turkey:  Government offices will be closed June 26 and 27.  Processing delays can be expected for initial and renewal applications due to staffing shortages.

This alert is for informational purposes only.  If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.