Austria: New document retention requirements; general enforcement increased
Global: Immigration processing during the holiday season
During the holiday season, many government offices worldwide will close or have reduced staff and hours of operation, likely resulting in processing delays for work permits, residence permits and visas over the coming weeks and into the new year.The following is a non-exhaustive list of immigration office and government closings during the holiday season. Employers and foreign nationals with travel or relocation plans between now and early 2016 should contact their immigration service provider to discuss the impact of holiday closures on their specific circumstances.
Slovakia: Foreign Police office experiencing delays
Foreign nationals seeking to apply for Residence Permits or Single Permits with the Foreign Police office in Bratislava have been experiencing long waits and significant delays due to an increased volume of Residence Permit applications and the modified hours the office is open for submission of such applications.
New border controls and asylum application volume causing delays in EU
Travellers into, out of and within the European Union and the Schengen Area will be subject to general travel and immigration service processing delays due to the influx of refugees, particularly to Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia. Importantly, Germany introduced border controls yesterday that caused significant delays at entry and exit ports and other countries are continuing to implement controls. This is particularly relevant to rail and road border crossings; air travel is unlikely to be affected at this time.
Delays and Suspensions
Trains between Germany and Austria were suspended in both directions from Sunday until Monday morning. It is currently not clear how long other border controls will remain in place.
Foreign nationals should be prepared for immigration document checks on roads and trains throughout the European Union.
Foreign nationals seeking permits and visas at immigration offices in EU countries are experiencing long lines and processing delays due to the volume of asylum applications. Foreign nationals are advised to arrive at immigration offices well in advance of opening hours and should file renewal and other immigration applications well in advance of the deadlines to avoid additional delays.
What This Means For Foreign Nationals
All travellers, including EU nationals, are strongly advised to carry a valid passport and, as appropriate, residence permit or visa if crossing any international border within the European Union, even if passport-free travel is currently permitted. Train and road travel is likely to be significantly delayed and foreign nationals seeking immigration services in EU countries should account for delays and long lines.