Luxembourg: Authorities Pause Issuance of Immigration Documents Pending Department Overhaul
November 30, 2023
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At a Glance
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Immigration Department has ceased issuing all immigration-related documentation amid a reorganization of immigration responsibilities within the government following the October 2023 parliamentary elections. It is currently unclear when the Department will restart issuing documentation.
- All foreign workers currently in Luxembourg who are awaiting either initial or extended work permits will not lose their legal migration status if their immigration documentation expires during this time. However, any travel plans should be reconsidered as such foreign nationals would not be able to return to Luxembourg under expired documentation.
- Affected individuals and employers may need to postpone work start dates.
The situation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Immigration Department in Luxembourg has ceased issuing all immigration-related documentation. It is currently unclear when the Department will restart issuing documentation.
A closer look
- Affected documentation. The pause applies to all immigration-related documentation, including all temporary authorizations, visas, and work and residence permits.
- Foreign nationals currently in Luxembourg. All foreign workers currently in Luxembourg who are awaiting either initial or extended work permits will not lose their legal migration status if their immigration documentation expires during this time. Such foreign nationals should nonetheless reconsider any travel plans in this period, as they would not be able to return to Luxembourg under expired documentation.
- Foreign nationals outside Luxembourg awaiting documentation. Foreign nationals currently outside Luxembourg will not be able to receive any immigration documentation and therefore not be able to travel to Luxembourg until after the end of the current pause.
Impact
Employers of affected foreign nationals may need to postpone work start dates for employees currently awaiting temporary authorizations or visas. Additionally, there may be government processing delays even after issuing of documentation recommences due to a likely backlog of applications.
Background
The pause in issuing documentation comes amid a reorganization of immigration responsibilities within the government following the October 2023 parliamentary elections.
Looking ahead
It is currently unclear when the Department will restart issuing documentation. We will report on related developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
