Important Updates
Important Updates
October 6, 2025 | CanadaToronto Star: How Canada Can Take Advantage of Donald Trump’s $100,000 Charge for Skilled Worker Visas — and How Canada Can Lose Out
October 7, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union: EU Entry/Exit System Implementation Forthcoming
October 7, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
October 7, 2025 | IndiaIndia: Electronic Arrival Card to Replace Paper Disembarkation Card
October 7, 2025 | UruguayUruguay: Delays in Renewals of Local Identification Cards
October 6, 2025 | CanadaToronto Star: How Canada Can Take Advantage of Donald Trump’s $100,000 Charge for Skilled Worker Visas — and How Canada Can Lose Out
October 7, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union: EU Entry/Exit System Implementation Forthcoming
October 7, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
October 7, 2025 | IndiaIndia: Electronic Arrival Card to Replace Paper Disembarkation Card
October 7, 2025 | UruguayUruguay: Delays in Renewals of Local Identification Cards
October 6, 2025 | CanadaToronto Star: How Canada Can Take Advantage of Donald Trump’s $100,000 Charge for Skilled Worker Visas — and How Canada Can Lose Out
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Worldwide: Immigration Processing Delays Expected During Ramadan

April 28, 2022

insight-news-default

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • Foreign nationals and their employers can expect immigration processing delays from the beginning of April through the beginning of May in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and parts of Asia during the observance of Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr. Many government offices worldwide reduce their hours and/or close during Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr. 
  • Processing delays could continue in the weeks following Ramadan, due to application backlogs that accumulate during the closures. 

The situation

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 observance of Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr. Many government offices worldwide reduce their hours and/or close during Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr. 

A closer look

In most of the world, Ramadan is expected to begin on April 1, 2 or 3, depending on lunar sightings. The Eid-al-Fitr holiday will begin on the first day following the end of Ramadan, though its exact dates and the duration 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. 

 

COUNTRY CLOSURES
Algeria Government offices are not officially closed during Ramadan (expected to begin April 2-3 and end on May 1-3, depending on lunar sightings) but most will operate on a reduced schedule, opening at 8:30 and closing at 15:30 local time.  Government offices will also likely be closed on Eid-al-Fitr for two days if the holiday falls on business days. Processing delays can be expected for initial and renewal applications due to the reduced working hours. 
Bahrain The month of Ramadan will begin on April 2. Most government offices will operate from 8:00 through 14:00 local time daily. Additionally, government entities will close for Eid-al-Fitr on May 3 and resume operations on May 8.
Bangladesh The month of Ramadan will begin on April 3 in Bangladesh. Government offices will operate with a reduced workforce until May 4, 2022 and will be closed on April 14, April 29, May 1, 2 and 4. Processing delays of pending immigration applications should be expected throughout the month.
Brunei The Ramadan season will begin on April 2 and will last until May 2 in Brunei. Government offices will be closed for five business days from the confirmed Hari Raya date (expected to be May 3-9). Government offices will close at 14:00 local time daily for the entire month of Ramadan and delays in immigration processing are expected through the month and up to two weeks after Ramadan ends.
Egypt The month of Ramadan will begin April 2 and end on May 2. Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule from 9:00 through 14:00 local time daily. Additionally, government entities will close for Eid-al-Fitr April 29 and resume operations on May 8.
Iraq The month of Ramadan is expected to begin April 1 or 2 and end on May 1-2, depending on lunar sightings. Most government offices will operate from 8:00 through 13:30 local time throughout the month. Additionally, although authorities have not yet announced government closures for Eid-al-Fitr, it is expected that government entities will close on April 28 and resume operations on May 8.
Iraqi Kurdistan The month of Ramadan is expected to begin April 1 or 2. Most government offices will operate from 8:00 through 13:30 local time throughout the month. Additionally, government entities will close for Eid-al-Fitr on April 28 and resume operations on May 8.
Jordan The month of Ramadan will begin on April 3. Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule from 10:00 through 15:00 local time daily. Additionally, government entities will close for Eid-al-Fitr on May 2 and resume operations on May 8.
Kuwait The month of Ramadan is expected to begin April 2 or 3. Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule from 9:30 through 14:00 local time throughout the month. Additionally, government offices will close for Eid-al-Fitr on May 1 and resume operations on May 8.
Lebanon The month of Ramadan is expected to begin April 2 or 3. Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule from 8:00 through 12:00 local time on Monday through Thursday and will be closed on Fridays. Additionally, although authorities have not yet announced government closures for Eid-al-Fitr, it is expected that government entities will close on May 1 and resume operations on May 4.
Malaysia

The month of Ramadan will begin on April 3. Government offices, including the Immigration Department and other Work Pass adjudicating departments such as the eXpats Centre of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Sdn. Bhd. and MYXpats Centre of the Expatriate Services Division, are expected to operate with reduced hours throughout the month. Government offices will be closed from May 2 through May 4. Processing delays are expected throughout the month of Ramadan and may continue for up to three weeks after the Hari Raya Eid-al-Fitr celebrations.

Morocco The month of Ramadan is expected to begin on April 3 and end May 2, depending on lunar sightings. Government offices will operate from 10 through 15:30 local time during the month. Additionally, although authorities have not yet announced government closures for Eid-al-Fitr, it is expected that government entities will close on May 2 and resume operations on May 5.
Oman The month of Ramadan is expected to begin on April 2 or 3. Government offices will close two hours early daily during the month. Additionally, government entities will close for Eid-al-Fitr on April 30 and resume operations on May 8.
Pakistan The month of Ramadan is expected to begin on April 1 or 2. Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule from 10:00 through 15:30 local time on Monday through Thursday and from 10:00 through 13:00 local time on Friday. Additionally, although authorities have not yet announced government closures for Eid-al-Fitr,it is expected that government entities will close on May 2 and resume operations on May 8.
Qatar The month of Ramadan is expected to begin on April 2 or 3. Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule from 9:00 through 14:00 local time daily. Additionally, although authorities have not yet announced government closures for Eid-al-Fitr, it is expected that government entities will close on  May 1 and resume operations on May 8.
Saudi Arabia The month of Ramadan is expected to begin on April 2. Government offices are expected to operate from 10:00 through 15:00 local time. Additionally, government entities will close for Eid-al-Fitr on April 25 and resume operations on May 8.
Tunisia The month of Ramadan will begin on April 3. Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule from 8:00 through 12:30 local time on Monday through Thursday and from 7:00 through 13:00 local time on Fridays. Additionally, although authorities have not yet announced government closures for Eid-al-Fitr, it is expected that government entities will close on May 2 and resume operations on May 5.
Turkey Government offices will be closed from May 1 through May 4. Processing delays can be expected during Ramadan for initial and renewal applications as government offices are often understaffed.
United Arab Emirates The month of Ramadan is expected to begin April 1 or 2. Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule. From Monday through Thursday they will operate from 9:00 to 14:30 and on Friday from 9:00 through 12:00 local time. Additionally, government entities will close for Eid-al-Fitr on April 30 and resume operations on May 9.

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

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

Italian Citizenship by Descent: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Process

Learn how to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry. This complete guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: How Canada Can Take Advantage of Donald Trump’s $100,000 Charge for Skilled Worker Visas — and How Canada Can Lose Out

Partner Rick Lamanna shares key insights on how Canada can retain skilled workers and navigate shifting talent flows under changing US visa rules.

Learn more

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Video

Italian Citizenship by Descent: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Process

Learn how to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry. This complete guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: How Canada Can Take Advantage of Donald Trump’s $100,000 Charge for Skilled Worker Visas — and How Canada Can Lose Out

Partner Rick Lamanna shares key insights on how Canada can retain skilled workers and navigate shifting talent flows under changing US visa rules.

Learn more

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.