IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Islamic month of Ramadan is expected to begin around May 26 and processing will slow down as offices in countries with majority or significant Muslim populations will curtail their working hours during the month.

What does the change mean? Employers and individuals should anticipate shorter business hours from approximately May 26 through June 25, and offices will close for three or more days immediately thereafter for the Eid holiday. If possible, employers should file applications to obtain decisions on any urgent cases before Ramadan begins.

  • Implementation time frame:  Approximately May 26-June 30. Some countries also begin to slow down one week before Ramadan.
  • Visas/permits affected: Visas, work permits and other immigration-related services.
  • Impact on processing times: Applicants should expect reduced working hours, especially on Fridays, and resulting delays in processing.
  • Business impact: Employers should factor in the slower processing timelines when planning start dates and business schedules.

Background: Ramadan is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar and is a time during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and increase time spent in prayer and introspection. The month is expected to begin on the evening of May 26 and end June 25, but lunar dates vary by one to two days depending on local practices. Individual countries typically announce the first day of Ramadan closer to the beginning of the month when actual or predicted moon sightings are confirmed.

Working hours also vary by country and government offices tend to close early. The Eid al-Fitr holiday, immediately following Ramadan, will close offices for three or more days in countries across the Middle East, North and West Africa, and Central and Southeast Asia. In April, Malaysia’s e-Xpats Service Centre announced filing deadlines in advance of the Eid holiday (Hari Raya Aidil Fitri) June 23-27.

BAL Analysis: Businesses and travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and file time-sensitive applications as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays, and check with individual offices for Ramadan hours.  

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. 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.