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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Officials have announced that the Ministry of the Interior and all of its subsidiary agencies, including the National Institute of Migration, will remain closed until Oct. 2 after Mexico was struck with a magnitude 7.1 earthquake last week.
What does the change mean? Immigration services, including the processing of work permits, visas and exit permits, will be delayed. Authorities will extend deadlines for those who miss them because of the closures. Offices are scheduled to reopen Oct. 2.
Background: A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck about 80 miles from Mexico City Sept. 19. The devastating quake left hundreds dead and caused significant damage in Mexico City, Puebla, Morelos and other areas. Government offices remained closed last week, with many of them redirecting their resources toward recovery efforts. Offices were initially expected to reopen this week, but authorities subsequently decided to keep Ministry of the Interior offices closed this week as well.
BAL Analysis: Those in need of Institute of Migration services should expect processing delays. However, while the announcement appears that it would apply to all Ministry of Interior offices, some offices in areas less impacted by the quake are reportedly open and processing applications as they normally would. Emergency processing may be available in certain cases. Those with questions about specific cases should contact BAL.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Mexico. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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