IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? A labor strike by Brazil’s Foreign Ministry employees has cut operating and staffing capacity to 30 percent at consulates in the U.S. and Canada and will disrupt services at Brazilian consulates around the world.

What does the change mean? Visa applicants should expect reduced services and longer processing times. The strike will last for an indefinite period of time as negotiations over wages continue.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: All visas.
  • Who is affected: Applicants seeking services at Brazilian missions around the world.
  • Impact on processing times: Applicants should expect significantly longer processing times.
  • Business impact: If the strike persists, businesses may need to rearrange schedules and start dates.

Background: Workers at the Foreign Ministry in Brazil began the strike on Monday over wages and housing allowances. Brazilian consulates are working at reduced capacity with diminished staffing. Consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Montreal, San Francisco and Vancouver have confirmed that they are operating at 30 percent of capacity. Additional consulates may observe the strike in coming days.

BAL Analysis: All visa applicants should anticipate longer processing times and delays in services for the duration of the strike. BAL is following the developments and will report any changes or resumption of normal processing.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in Brazil. For additional information, please contact brazil@bal.com.

 

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About Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
Founded in 1980, Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) provides comprehensive global immigration services from seven offices across the U.S. and from offices in Geneva, London, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. BAL manages global visa matters and customized application approaches for work permits, business visas, and residence permits in more than 100 countries. With a single cost center for worldwide operations, BAL offers centralized management with regional and local support for the complete spectrum of global immigration matters.

Source: Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP