Important Updates
Important Updates
September 29, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: White House Seeks Supreme Court Review of Birthright Citizenship EO Constitutionality
September 29, 2025 | United States, United KingdomGlobal Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike
September 29, 2025 | IndiaIndia: Electronic Arrival Card to Replace Paper Disembarkation Card
September 29, 2025 | IrelandIreland: Prompt Residence Permit Renewal Necessary to Ensure Christmas Travel
September 29, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Preparing for a Potential Federal Government Shutdown on October 1
September 29, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: White House Seeks Supreme Court Review of Birthright Citizenship EO Constitutionality
September 29, 2025 | United States, United KingdomGlobal Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike
September 29, 2025 | IndiaIndia: Electronic Arrival Card to Replace Paper Disembarkation Card
September 29, 2025 | IrelandIreland: Prompt Residence Permit Renewal Necessary to Ensure Christmas Travel
September 29, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Preparing for a Potential Federal Government Shutdown on October 1
September 29, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: White House Seeks Supreme Court Review of Birthright Citizenship EO Constitutionality
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 RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese 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
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • 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 Throughout Ramadan

March 21, 2023

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 middle of March through the middle of April in the Middle East, North Africa, Türkiye 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 March 22 or 23 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 March 22 or 23 and end on April 21 or 22, 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 Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan from Sunday to Thursday 8:00 to 14:00 local time. Government offices are also expected to close on April 20-21, depending on lunar sightings.
Bangladesh Government offices will be closed on March 26, April 19, 21, and 23, 2023.
Brunei Government offices are expected to be working reduced working hours (until 14:00 daily) from March 22 to April 21, 2023. Furthermore, government offices are expected to be closed on April 8, and 22-25, 2023.
Cote D'Ivoire Government offices will be closed on either April 20 or 21, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Egypt Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan from 9:00 to 14:00 local time.
Gabon Government offices will be closed on either April 20 or 21, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Indonesia Government offices are expected to operate limited hours during Ramadan (possibly close one hour earlier than normal working days). Furthermore, government offices will be closed from April 21-26, 2023.
Iraq Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan from Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 to 13:30 local time. Government offices are also expected to close on April 20-21, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Iraqi Kurdistan Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule from Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 to 13:30 local time. Government offices are also expected to close on April 20-21, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Jordan Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan from Sunday to Thursday 10:00 to 3:00 local time. Government offices are also expected to close on April 21-22, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Kuwait Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan from Sunday to Thursday from 9:30 to 14:00 local time. Government offices are also expected to close on April 20-21, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Lebanon Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan from Monday to Thursday from 8:00 to 14:30 local time and close on Friday. Government offices are also expected to close on April 21-22, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Malaysia Government offices are expected to be closed from April 21-24, 2023. Processing of applications may be delayed as officers will be working with a skeletal staff the week of April 17 and April 24, 2023.
Mauritania Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan from 10:00 to 15:30 local time. Government offices are also expected to close on April 21-23, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Morocco Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan from 10:00 to 15:30 local time. Government offices are also expected to close on April 21-22, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Oman Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan from Sunday to Thursday from 9:00 to 14:00 local time. Government offices are also expected to close on April 21-22, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Pakistan Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan from 10:00 to 15:30 local time and Friday from 10:00 to 13:00 local time. Government offices are also expected to close on April 21-22, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Qatar Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 14:00 local time. Government offices are also expected to close on April 20-21, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Saudi Arabia Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule from 10:00 to 15:00 local time. Government offices are also expected to close on April 20-21, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Senegal Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan from 10:00 to 15:30 local time. Government offices are also expected to close on April 21, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Sierra Leone Government offices will be closed on either April 20 or 21, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Tunisia Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan from Monday to Thursday from 8:00 to 14:30 local time and Friday 7:00 to 13:00 local time. Government offices are also expected to close on April 20-21, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.
Türkiye Government offices will be closed beginning in the afternoon of April 20-21, 2023. Processing delays can be expected during Ramadan for initial and renewal applications as government offices are often understaffed.
United Arab Emirates Government offices will operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 14:30 local time and on Fridays from 9:00 to 12:00 local time. Government offices are also expected to close on April 20 and resume operations on April 24, 2023, depending on lunar sightings.

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

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike

Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Golden Visa: Work Permit Requirements for Employers and Professionals

Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent

Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Asharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد

Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Spotlighted in Financial Times for 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Investopedia: ICE Crackdowns Are Changing Workplaces: 37% of Americans Report Feeling Less Safe at Work

Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.

Learn more

Awards

The Best Law Firms™ in Germany 2026 Recognizes Fragomen

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee to Boost Demand for UAE's Golden, Freelance, Remote Work Visas

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Sponsor Licence Revocation: What HR and Mobility Leaders Need to Know

Partner Rajiv Naik, Senior Manager Thomas Kingsmill and Manager Ko Ito highlight rising UK sponsor licence revocations and how HR and mobility leaders can manage the impact.

Learn more

Media mentions

Reuters: Financial Firms to Feel Outsized Impact From Trump's H-1B Overhaul

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the $100,000 H-1B fee and its impact on financial, banking and technology firms relying on international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

CNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa

Partner Louise Haycock highlights how the UK's immigration system and Skilled Worker visa changes support employers in planning talent pipelines.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Wall Street Journal: Tech’s H-1B Debate: Is Trump’s New Fee a Solution or Setback?

Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike

Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Golden Visa: Work Permit Requirements for Employers and Professionals

Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent

Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Asharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد

Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Spotlighted in Financial Times for 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Investopedia: ICE Crackdowns Are Changing Workplaces: 37% of Americans Report Feeling Less Safe at Work

Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.

Learn more

Awards

The Best Law Firms™ in Germany 2026 Recognizes Fragomen

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee to Boost Demand for UAE's Golden, Freelance, Remote Work Visas

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Sponsor Licence Revocation: What HR and Mobility Leaders Need to Know

Partner Rajiv Naik, Senior Manager Thomas Kingsmill and Manager Ko Ito highlight rising UK sponsor licence revocations and how HR and mobility leaders can manage the impact.

Learn more

Media mentions

Reuters: Financial Firms to Feel Outsized Impact From Trump's H-1B Overhaul

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the $100,000 H-1B fee and its impact on financial, banking and technology firms relying on international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

CNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa

Partner Louise Haycock highlights how the UK's immigration system and Skilled Worker visa changes support employers in planning talent pipelines.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Wall Street Journal: Tech’s H-1B Debate: Is Trump’s New Fee a Solution or Setback?

Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.

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.