Government offices

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Worldwide: Immigration processing delays expected during Ramadan

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Worldwide

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

Israel: Government offices closed on May 12

Israeli government offices will be closed on May 12 for Israeli Independence Day. Work permits and visa applications will not be adjudicated in Israel and Israeli consular posts abroad may suspend their operations or conduct limited processing that day.

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Belgium: Important information for employers following Brussels terror attack

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Following the terror attacks in Brussels, employers with foreign employees in Belgium should be mindful of the following:

  • Ensure that all employees -  both Belgian and foreign nationals - carry proper documentation when travelling;         
  • Once Zaventem-Brussels International Airport and other transportation hubs reopen, employees traveling through Belgium should be prepared for close scrutiny and delays; 
  • Belgian government offices are closed and many services are suspended in the wake of the attacks.  The suspension of Belgian postal services could delay the delivery of both Belgian and Dutch immigration documents.  As a result, foreign employees awaiting the approval of applications for extensions of stay and work authorization may experience delays.  Contact your designated Fragomen professional to discuss the impact of these delays on the immigration status and work authorization of foreign employees in Belgium and the Netherlands.