Get this news and more in the new episode of BAL’s podcast, the BAL Immigration Report, available on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts or on the BAL news site.

‌This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

Copyright ©2023 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.

Get this news and more in the new episode of BAL’s podcast, the BAL Immigration Report, available on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts or on the BAL news site.

‌This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

Copyright ©2023 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.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

Some countries have or are planning to ease visa rules for Turkish and Syrian nationals affected by the earthquake two weeks ago.

  • Belgium. Immigration authorities in Belgium will process visa applications from those in regions affected by the earthquake more quickly. Earthquake victims already in Belgium can now apply to extend their stay in the country. More information is available here.
  • Germany. German authorities are shortening visa application processing times for specific individuals. Individuals must attest that, at the time of the earthquake, they lived in one of the affected provinces and meet all other eligibility requirements. More information regarding the specific requirements is available here.
  • Netherlands. Dutch authorities are being initially more lenient with requests for return visas or extensions of short-stay visa applications and may waive visa fees for qualifying earthquake victims until March 9, 2023. More information is available here.
  • Switzerland. Swiss authorities are providing entry visas for those who have lost their homes because of the earthquake and have family in the country. To qualify, victims must have a valid passport or emergency passport; family members in Switzerland must submits an invitation letter; and the invitee must be from the earthquake area and have lost their home. More information is available here.

BAL Analysis: Additional countries may ease visa rules for those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria in the coming weeks. BAL will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 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.

Get this news and more in the new episode of BAL’s podcast, the BAL Immigration Report, available on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts or on the BAL news site.

‌This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

Copyright ©2023 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 22 and processing is expected to be delayed as government offices across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia have shorter working hours.

Key Points:

  • Employers and employees should expect shorter than normal business hours from about March 22 through April 21; however, exact dates are dependent on lunar sightings and may vary from country to country.
  • Foreign nationals and employers should anticipate processing days during and after Ramadan. If possible, those with time-sensitive applications should file before Ramadan begins.
  • Government offices in many countries will close for three or more days for Eid al-Fitr immediately following Ramadan.

BAL Analysis: Employers and employees are encouraged to plan ahead and file time-sensitive applications as soon as possible to avoid possible processing delays. Individuals should contact local authorities for more information on shorter working hours and closures. BAL will be monitoring government holiday announcements for Eid al-Fitr and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 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.

Get this news and more in the new episode of BAL’s podcast, the BAL Immigration Report, available on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts or on the BAL news site.

‌This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

Copyright ©2023 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.

Get this news and more in the new episode of BAL’s podcast, the BAL Immigration Report, available on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts or on the BAL news site.

‌This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

Copyright ©2023 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.

Get this news and more in the new episode of BAL’s podcast, the BAL Immigration Report, available on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts or on the BAL news site.

‌This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

Copyright ©2023 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.

Get this news and more in the new episode of BAL’s podcast, the BAL Immigration Report, available on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts or on the BAL news site.

‌This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

Copyright ©2023 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.

Get this news and more in the new episode of BAL’s podcast, the BAL Immigration Report, available on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts or on the BAL news site.

‌This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

Copyright ©2023 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.