Slovakia: Temporary Foreign Police Closure to Delay All Immigration Applications
October 6, 2023
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At a Glance
- Due to a growing backlog, all foreign police offices in Slovakia will be closed through September 30, 2023. During the closure, work and residence permit applications will not be processed or issued, with exceptions for applications for Temporary Residence Permits for employment purposes, applications for visas deemed in the interest of Slovakia, and Temporary Refuge Registrations. Online applications can still be submitted. Update – October 6, 2023: The closure has been extended until October 15, 2023.
- The approval of submitted work permit applications will be delayed. Additionally, foreign nationals who have their work permit and visa will face delays when completing their residence permit process in Slovakia, since this involves the police office.
- Work permit and residence permit applicants will need to reschedule their police appointments when offices re-open.
The situation
Due to a growing backlog, all foreign police offices in Slovakia will be closed through September 30, 2023. Update – October 6, 2023: The closure has been extended until October 15, 2023.
A closer look
During the closure, work and residence permit applications will not be processed or issued (except applications for Temporary Residence Permits for employment purposes, applications for visas deemed in the interest of Slovakia, and Temporary Refuge Registrations). Online applications can still be submitted.
Work permit and residence permit applicants will need to reschedule their police appointments when offices re-open. Fragomen can assist with this process.
Background
The foreign police offices in Slovakia (of which there are 13) are involved with clearing the final stages of a work permit and residence permit.
The closure comes as a result of processing backlogs, understaffing and an increase in illegal migration.
Impact
The approval of submitted work permit applications will be delayed.
Additionally, foreign nationals who have their work permit and visa will face delays when completing their residence permit process in Slovakia, since this involves the police office.
Looking ahead
It is not clear when the police offices will reopen. We will publish related updates.
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].
