IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, expected to begin around June 14 at sunset, will close offices and delay processing of applications in countries across the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia, and at their consular missions around the world.

What does the change mean? Offices will close for three to 10 days, depending on the country. Applicants should expect delays in processing of visas and work permits.

  • Implementation time frame: The holiday is estimated to begin June 15 and last several days, depending on location.
  • Who is affected: Applicants for all visas and permits.
  • Impact on processing times: Processing delays will range from one to 10 days, depending on local schedules.
  • Next steps: Time-sensitive filings should be completed before the holiday break to avoid delays.

Background: Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated with three or more days of festivities. The holiday is also known as Ramazan Bayrami in Turkey, Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore, and Korité or Tabaski in West Africa.

The office closures are expected to begin June 15 or 16, depending on the length of the lunar month. Some countries will announce their holiday schedules closer to the end of Ramadan or when a new moon is sighted. Others have set public holiday schedules. June 15 and 16 fall on the weekend for some Persian Gulf countries.

  • Bangladesh – June 15-17, and possibly June 18.
  • Indonesia – June 15.
  • Malaysia – June 15.
  • Oman – June 14-18.
  • Philippines – June 15.
  • Saudi Arabia – Estimated June 15-23.
  • Singapore – June 15.
  • Turkey – June 14-15.
  • United Arab Emirates – June 14-17.

Malaysia’s MYXpats Centre will close for a half day June 14 and a full day June 15. Malaysia’s eXpats Service Centre will close June 14-17, with filing decision cutoff dates before the holidays of June 1 for Stage 1 applications and June 8 for Stage 2 applications.

Across most of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, government offices are expected to close June 14-17, with Saudi Arabia likely to close for the entire week.

BAL Analysis: Time-sensitive filings should be submitted as early as possible before the holiday break. Companies may wish to contact their BAL representative for individual country and consular schedules.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2018 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.

Alliance supports global businesses in staying ahead in a rapidly-changing global immigration environment

DALLAS, June 6, 2018 – Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) LLP, one of the world’s largest immigration law firms, today announced a first-of-its-kind strategic alliance with Deloitte UK. The alliance represents an industry first offering, combining the best of Deloitte’s scale, expertise and breadth outside of the US with BAL’s legal expertise and high quality immigration services in the US.

In an increasingly complex environment, today’s multinational businesses are struggling to gain the right level of market insights, make the most of big data and integrate their mobility services to advance their immigration programs. It can be particularly tough to find service providers with large enough footprints to effectively address global challenges and to stay ahead of ever-increasing requirements for secure, innovative technologies. This alliance addresses those needs, bringing BAL’s technology and innovation leadership together with the global acumen and scale of Deloitte Global. It gives multinational organizations the global perspectives and footprint and continuous innovation they need to stay ahead in today’s rapidly-changing immigration market.

“Immigration is now a C-Suite priority and the landscape is more complex than ever before. Today’s global businesses need innovative thinking, global scale and deep expertise,” said Jeremy Fudge, BAL Managing Partner. “We’re offering clients the very best of two leading organizations, delivering a level of expertise, scale, control and accountability they can’t get anywhere else.”

BAL’s global clients can continue to expect the high-level of technology innovation reflected in products like BAL’s Cobalt® digital immigration services platform, top-notch information security and unmatched immigration expertise they’ve come to know. When served through this alliance, BAL clients will now experience the added benefit of:

  • A centralized view to stay ahead: Addressing the need for increased business integration, multinational companies can now get a combined, broader view of their global immigration programs – from tax to mobility to immigration services and beyond. This alliance gives companies what they need to ensure global alignment across their business.
  • Quality and scale: The alliance gives global businesses access to the worldwide scale of Deloitte Global combined with BAL’s deep immigration expertise – all with a globally consistent quality and database.
  • Technology and security leadership: This alliance leverages the deep technology capabilities of two leading innovators to set a new benchmark for top-notch security solutions, and open the door to new possibilities in artificial intelligence, data analytics and other promising digital technologies.

“With the increased need for cross-border business travel, global organizations are recognizing the value of a firm that can bring a global footprint to help support the challenges of delivery and corporate compliance,” said Kalvinder Dhillon, Deloitte Global Immigration Lead. “Our ability to provide a fully global, end-to-end service will help employers move talent where it’s needed and enhance their compliance.”

Under this alliance, BAL will remain an independent entity in the US. Deloitte Global will acquire BAL’s non-US operations and assets in the UK, Singapore, Australia, Dubai, China, South Africa, Mozambique and Brazil. Deloitte US does not provide immigration or legal services and is not a party to the alliance with Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP, nor is it a party to the acquisition of BAL’s non-US assets. References to Deloitte Global are references to the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”). Deloitte UK is the sponsor of the alliance. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients.

About BAL

BAL is singularly focused on meeting the immigration challenges of corporate clients around the world in ways that make immigration more strategic and clients more successful. Established in 1980, the firm provides unmatched immigration expertise, top-notch information security and leading technology innovation like its Cobalt® digital immigration services platform. BAL and its leaders are highly ranked in every major legal publication, including Best Lawyers, Chambers, The Legal 500, and Who’s Who Legal. See website for details: www.bal.com.

Media Contact:

Constance Pegushin
Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
cpegushin@bal.com
415-617-4534

Alliance supports global businesses in staying ahead in a rapidly-changing global immigration environment

DALLAS, June 6, 2018 – Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) LLP, one of the world’s largest immigration law firms, today announced a first-of-its-kind strategic alliance with Deloitte UK. The alliance represents an industry first offering, combining the best of Deloitte’s scale, expertise and breadth outside of the US with BAL’s legal expertise and high quality immigration services in the US.

In an increasingly complex environment, today’s multinational businesses are struggling to gain the right level of market insights, make the most of big data and integrate their mobility services to advance their immigration programs. It can be particularly tough to find service providers with large enough footprints to effectively address global challenges and to stay ahead of ever-increasing requirements for secure, innovative technologies. This alliance addresses those needs, bringing BAL’s technology and innovation leadership together with the global acumen and scale of Deloitte Global. It gives multinational organizations the global perspectives and footprint and continuous innovation they need to stay ahead in today’s rapidly-changing immigration market.

“Immigration is now a C-Suite priority and the landscape is more complex than ever before. Today’s global businesses need innovative thinking, global scale and deep expertise,” said Jeremy Fudge, BAL Managing Partner. “We’re offering clients the very best of two leading organizations, delivering a level of expertise, scale, control and accountability they can’t get anywhere else.”

BAL’s global clients can continue to expect the high-level of technology innovation reflected in products like BAL’s Cobalt® digital immigration services platform, top-notch information security and unmatched immigration expertise they’ve come to know. When served through this alliance, BAL clients will now experience the added benefit of:

  • A centralized view to stay ahead: Addressing the need for increased business integration, multinational companies can now get a combined, broader view of their global immigration programs – from tax to mobility to immigration services and beyond. This alliance gives companies what they need to ensure global alignment across their business.
  • Quality and scale: The alliance gives global businesses access to the worldwide scale of Deloitte Global combined with BAL’s deep immigration expertise – all with a globally consistent quality and database.
  • Technology and security leadership: This alliance leverages the deep technology capabilities of two leading innovators to set a new benchmark for top-notch security solutions, and open the door to new possibilities in artificial intelligence, data analytics and other promising digital technologies.

“With the increased need for cross-border business travel, global organizations are recognizing the value of a firm that can bring a global footprint to help support the challenges of delivery and corporate compliance,” said Kalvinder Dhillon, Deloitte Global Immigration Lead. “Our ability to provide a fully global, end-to-end service will help employers move talent where it’s needed and enhance their compliance.”

Under this alliance, BAL will remain an independent entity in the US. Deloitte Global will acquire BAL’s non-US operations and assets in the UK, Singapore, Australia, Dubai, China, South Africa, Mozambique and Brazil. Deloitte US does not provide immigration or legal services and is not a party to the alliance with Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP, nor is it a party to the acquisition of BAL’s non-US assets. References to Deloitte Global are references to the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”). Deloitte UK is the sponsor of the alliance. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients.

About BAL
Established in 1980, BAL powers human achievement through immigration expertise, people-centered client services and innovative technology. BAL, with 13 offices across the United States and global coverage in more than 185 countries around the world, operates as a single entity through its oneBAL culture — a uniquely holistic approach, intentionally structured as one team, one brand, one P&L, one standard of excellence and one unifying technology. This united approach enables the firm to deliver the highest level of knowledge, insights and resources from across the entire organization.

At BAL, we pursue the exceptional. To learn more visit bal.com.

Media Contact:
Emily Albrecht
Senior Director — Marketing & Communications
ealbrecht@bal.com
469-559-0174

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? South Korea will observe public holidays on May 7 and 22 and June 6 and 13.

What does the change mean? Government offices will be closed and in-country immigration processing will be suspended on those days.

  • Implementation time frame: May 7 and 22. June 6 and 13.
  • Visas/permits affected: All visas, permits and other immigration-related government services.
  • Who is affected: Anyone seeking immigration services in South Korea.
  • Impact on processing times: All in-country immigration processing and other government services will be suspended on the public holidays.
  • Business impact: Businesses may need to make minor adjustments to account for the closures.
  • Next steps: Applicants should submit time-sensitive applications before the holidays if possible.

Background: Government offices will be closed May 7 for the Children’s Day holiday, May 22 for Buddha’s Birthday, June 6 for Memorial Day and June 13 for local elections.

BAL Analysis: Employers should plan for the closures and, if needed, file time-sensitive applications and notifications before May 6. South Korean embassies and consulates around the world may be closed for the holidays as well, though schedules may vary.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in South Korea. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2018 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

What is the change? The Islamic month of Ramadan is expected to begin around May 16, causing processing to slow down as offices in countries with majority or significant Muslim populations will curtail their working hours.

What does the change mean? Employers and individuals should anticipate shorter business hours from approximately May 16 through June 14. Offices in many countries will close for three or more days immediately thereafter for the Eid al-Fitr holiday. If possible, employers should file applications to obtain decisions on any urgent cases before Ramadan begins.

  • Implementation time frame: Approximately May 16-June 14. 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 and resulting delays in processing.
  • Business impact: Employers should factor in the slower processing when planning start dates and business schedules.

Background: Ramadan is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar and is a time when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and increase time spent in prayer and introspection. The month is expected to begin around May 16, 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.

BAL Analysis: Businesses and travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and file time-sensitive applications as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays. Those in need of services should check with individual offices for Ramadan hours when the holiday draws closer.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2018 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

What is the change? Offices in a number of countries that celebrate Easter will close late this week and early next week for Good Friday and Easter Monday.

What does the change mean? Applicants should expect a slowdown in processing during the holiday break and potential backlogs when offices reopen.

  • Implementation time frame: Roughly March 30-April 2. Countries that observe Orthodox Easter may close offices around that holiday, which falls on April 8 this year.
  • Visas/permits affected: All visas, permits and other immigration services.
  • Who is affected: Applicants requiring government services during the break.
  • Impact on processing times: The holiday break may delay processing by one to four days.

BAL Analysis: Applicants should check with their BAL professional for holiday dates of individual countries. Those seeking consular processing should also note that embassies and consulates may observe their own unique holiday schedules.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2018 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.

BAL again is ranked as a top firm in the Global-wide category in the newly released Chambers Global Guide, an annual ranking of the best international law firms based on independent research and interviews with lawyers and clients worldwide.

Chambers recognizes BAL as an “acclaimed group of immigration specialists which evokes praise for its deep experience in corporate global mobility. The firm offers a broad spectrum of services from application support and immigration programme management to strategic advice on compliance and government relations. An impressive client base benefits from its ever-expanding global footprint, notably with the opening of a first office in the Middle East and a second office in Africa.”

Sources stated they value the firm’s client-centric approach, highlighting its “global online platform and customised reporting” as “one of its strongest points.” They enthuse that “their availability and customer service is top-notch” and “there is an open line of communication – they take on board suggestions and give it all the necessary weight.”

Notable practitioners listed for BAL include Managing Partner Jeremy Fudge, Founding Partner David Berry, Europe Managing Director Emily King, Asia Managing Director Christina Karl, and MENA Managing Director Hadi Allawi.

About Chambers Global
Since 1990, Chambers has published an annual guide ranking the world’s best lawyers based on technical expertise, business acumen, prompt delivery, and value for money. A team of over 140 researchers conducts thousands of interviews worldwide to produce the rankings. Lawyers cannot buy their way into Chamber’s rankings; as a result, its annual directories are considered among the most accurate and reliable.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Christmas and New Year’s holidays will slow immigration processing across much of the world at the end of the year and in early 2018.

What does the change mean? Applicants should anticipate closures of government and private offices for at least two days on and around Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Many countries celebrate longer breaks and shut down for several weeks.

  • Implementation time frame: Now through early January.
  • Visas/permits affected: All immigration-related services.
  • Impact on processing times: Processing times will be longer and a backlog of cases may develop immediately following the New Year when offices reopen.
  • Business impact: Travelers should factor in longer wait times and limited visa appointments when estimating processing times and planning business schedules.

Below is a summary of closures by region with noted countries that observe longer breaks.

Africa: Christmas and New Year’s coincide with the traditional summer holiday in much of Africa.

  • Immigration authorities in many African countries—notably Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa—retain only a skeleton staff between Dec. 18 and Jan. 5.

Europe: Longer breaks of one week or more are typical.

  • In the United Kingdom, official bank holidays will be observed Dec. 25 (Christmas Day), Dec. 26 (Boxing Day) and Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day). Visa application centers may close or work reduced hours in the surrounding days and through the New Year.
  • Irish labor and immigration offices will be closed for public holidays Dec. 25 and 26 and Jan. 1.
  • In Switzerland, most government immigration offices will close from Dec. 25 to Jan. 2, but schedules vary according to the canton. In Zürich, immigration offices will close Dec. 23 through Jan. 2.
  • Russian government offices will be closed Jan. 1 to Jan. 8.

Latin America: Most government immigration offices will close Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

  • Mexico observes a longer holiday break, and government offices will be closed Dec. 20 to Jan. 5. Offices will reopen Jan. 8. The closure will affect travel as well as processing.
    • Travelers entering Mexico with a stamped Mexican visa for exchange during the dates above will not be able to leave the country until the immigration office reopens. This is due to the fact that it is necessary to either apply for the final step of the process and wait for the final immigration document (residence card) to be issued or to obtain a special permit in order to leave Mexico.
  • Costa Rican government Immigration Offices will be closed from Dec. 15 to Jan. 8.
  • In Venezuela, SAIME, Ministry of Labor, SAREN and notaries will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 31 and Jan. 1. Most offices will begin working part time from Dec. 15 through the New Year.

Asia: Most countries will observe one or more days for Christmas and New Year’s.

  • China does not officially mark Christmas as a public holiday but will close Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day and Feb. 15 to Feb. 21 for lunar Chinese New Year celebrations.

Oceania:

  • Australia’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection offices will be closed Dec. 25 and 26 as well as Jan. 1. DIBP offices in Australia are expected to operate with skeleton staffs for the period between Dec. 18 and Jan. 8.
  • In New Zealand, government immigration offices are expected to be closed starting the afternoon of Dec. 22 and reopen Jan. 3.
  • Papua New Guinea government labor and immigration offices will be closed starting Dec. 21 or 22 and are expected to reopen on Jan. 3 or 4. December is not considered as a processing month for any work permits and visas.

Middle East: Christmas is not observed as a public holiday, but some private offices may close.

  • In the United Arab Emirates, for example, many private offices will close on Dec. 25.
  • Bahrain’s government immigration offices will close Dec. 17 for Bahrain’s National Day and Dec. 18 for His Majesty the King’s Accession Day. Business will resume as usual Dec. 19.

North America:

  • While the United States only observes Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 as official holidays, some foreign consulates and embassies may be closed for longer periods following the holiday schedules of the country in which they are located. Applicants should confirm holiday closures directly with the appropriate embassy or consulate.
  • In Canada, government offices will be closed for federal holidays Dec. 25 (Christmas Day), Dec. 26 (Boxing Day) and Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day).

BAL Analysis: Applicants should plan to file any time-sensitive applications as early as possible before the holiday break to avoid additional delays.

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.

 

 

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Swaziland has published a proposal to bar foreign nationals from operating 31 classifications of, primarily, trading businesses.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals who are already operating businesses in affected categories will not be impacted, but new entrants would not be granted the required trading licenses. The change was proposed in draft regulations published by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade.

  • Implementation time frame: The change is likely to be implemented by the end of 2017.
  • Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
  • Who is affected: Companies intending to establish a company in Swaziland with a foreign national as a company director.
  • Business impact: The proposal is currently limited to 31 classifications of, primarily, trading businesses, but this is currently under review by the Portfolio Committee for Commerce, Industry and Trade of the House of Assembly.

Background: Since tabling the Reservation of Certain Trades and Businesses for Swazi Citizens Regulations 2017 before the House of Assembly earlier this month, the minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Jabulani Mabuza, has countered criticism that the government initiative may be illegal. “We have generations to look after as Swazis,” Mabuza has stated. “These are the people we have to ensure find that there are businesses reserved for them. We are not saying people who are from outside the country should not come and do business here. We are only saying foreigners should only do business in this country as investors.” The Federation of the Swazi Business Community has been lobbying for such a policy for many years and has therefore welcomed the publication of the new regulations. The businesses currently listed in the regulations are primarily trade-related, but also include service industries such as private investigation and debt collection.

BAL Analysis: It is anticipated that the Reservation of Certain Trades and Businesses for Swazi Citizens Regulations 2017 will be implemented later this year. The impact on international companies and foreign nationals wanting to invest in new opportunities in Swaziland has yet to be determined, however, as the Portfolio Committee for Commerce, Industry and Trade of the House of Assembly may extend the current list of business classifications reserved for Swazi nationals only and, as such, further restrict foreign access to local markets.

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

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Canada is set to launch a new Global Skills Strategy in June aimed at helping high-growth companies more easily recruit workers in recognized in-demand professions.

What does the change mean? Key details of the program remain unavailable, but its overarching goals include: (1) designating “high-growth” firms that make significant investments in the Canadian economy; (2) developing a list of in-demand occupations that would be exempt from standard advertising requirements; (3) setting a two-week period for processing time for visas and work permits application from qualifying firms recruiting workers in in-demand occupations; and (4) introducing a work authorization exemption for high-skilled foreign nationals coming to Canada for 30 days or less in a one-year period.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing. Officials said in March that the program would be launched June 12, though key details remain unavailable.
  • Visas/permits affected: Visas and work permits for foreign nationals who are recruited by designated high-growth firms in in-demand occupations.
  • Who is affected: Firms designated as high-growth that are recruiting and hiring foreign nationals in in-demand occupations.
  • Impact on processing times: The processing time of two weeks (10 business days) is significantly faster than standard processing times.
  • Business impact: The changes outlined above offer the potential to provide significant benefits to high-growth employers who rely on high-skilled foreign workers, though more will be known about how businesses might benefit once additional details are provided.

Background: Canadian officials announced plans for the new Global Skills Strategy in March. Little guidance is available at this point, however, as to how firms would qualify as high-growth or how the list of in-demand occupations will be put together. Only when this information becomes available will it become clearer who stands to benefit from the program. The 30-day work permit exemption will make it easier for employers to recruit certain foreign workers for short-term work assignments, but it is not clear at this point who will determine whether workers are “high skilled” and, therefore, eligible for the exemption.

BAL Analysis: The Global Skills Strategy has the potential to significantly help qualifying companies recruit high-skilled, in-demand foreign labor. BAL will provide more information as it becomes available, including information that will help determine what kind of firms will be eligible for the program and what kinds of workers will be considered in-demand.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Canada. 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.