Middle East: Severe Weather to Cause Immigration Processing Delays and Travel Disruptions
May 1, 2024
At a Glance
- Update May 1, 2024: All government offices have reopened and are operating at normal capacity. There are no further disruptions at the airports.
- Due to severe weather conditions in the Middle East region, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman, some government offices were or may still be closed or operating at partial capacity, resulting in delays in the processing of various immigration applications.
- In addition, flights to and from various airports in the region, including Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport, have been cancelled or are experiencing extensive delays due to operational challenges caused by inclement weather and road conditions.
- Foreign nationals should expect delays in the processing of their immigration applications and must be prepared to reschedule government office appointments, including for medical examination and biometric data collection.
The situation
Due to severe weather conditions in the Middle East region, many government offices are closed, causing delays to immigration applications, and there are extensive travel delays.
A closer look
- Government office closures. Government offices in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman were or may still be closed or operating at non-full capacity.
- Travel impacts. Flights to and from various airports in the region, including Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport, have been cancelled or experience extensive delays due to operational challenges caused by inclement weather and road conditions. In various parts of the affected countries, roads have been damaged and many remain under water causing significant logistical problems and delays.
Impact
Foreign nationals should expect delays in the processing of their immigration applications and should be prepared to reschedule government office appointments, including for medical examination and biometric data collection. These delays are anticipated to continue in the coming days.
Travelers to and from the region are advised to check the latest flights schedules and be prepared for significant delays in their travels.
Looking ahead
It is not clear how long it will take for government offices that are closed or operating at partial capacity to reopen fully, or for travel delays to subside. Affected travelers and employers should contact their immigration provider for specific advice.
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].
