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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? The Islamic month of Ramadan will begin around June 18, and related observances will significantly shorten business hours and slow processing in many countries during the lunar month.
What does the change mean? Companies and foreign nationals applying for visas and work permits in countries that observe Ramadan should plan to file time-sensitive applications as early as possible to avoid delays.
Background: Countries across the Muslim world will observe Ramadan beginning around June 18 and ending around July 17, immediately followed by the Eid holiday of three to five days. Dates can vary from location to location depending on whether a country sets the date in advance or waits until a new moon is sighted to declare the beginning of the month.
Many government offices have shorter hours of operation during Ramadan. Some countries may also reduce Friday business hours to half-day schedules unless they already observe a Friday-Saturday weekend.
BAL Analysis: Businesses are urged to plan ahead to minimize any negative impact on business schedules.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 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.
Authorities in Australia, Canada and Singapore have all warned in recent weeks of scams targeting immigrants in their countries.
The recent warnings highlight a global trend of attempts to trick immigrants out of their money or provide them with fraudulent services.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said on April 23 that it had received 150 reports of fraudsters impersonating government officials by threatening visa holders and citizens with deportation before demanding fees of around AU$1,000. The ACCC reported that since February, more than AU$35,000 has been lost.
“Anyone who receives (a) call seeking payment should ignore the demands for payment and hang up,” said ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard. “Scammers may try to pressure you by repeatedly calling and harassing you – but if you give your money to a scammer you will never see it again.”
Citizenship and Immigration Canada warned on March 11 of a pattern of fraudulent phone calls, stressing that CIC “does not contact individuals for the purpose of collecting fines or personal information to avoid deportation and NEVER asks the public to make a payment over the telephone.” More recently, the Abbotsford Police Department, in British Columbia, warned of a scam where a caller demanded that a man turn over CA$4,280 within seven hours or face deportation.
In Singapore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on April 22 that it had received reports that “callers impersonating as MFA officers have called members of the public to request that they verify their personal particulars and to pay a penalty for issues related to their immigration white card.” The MFA urged people to file police reports immediately if they receive such calls.
Immigration scams seem to know no national boundaries. Germany, France, Ireland, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S. are among the plethora of other countries where scams have been reported since 2013. In the U.S., employers have, in the past, reported scams targeting employees on H-1B visas. Other scammers have posed as Internal Revenue Service officials demanding payments.
New York (this month) and Los Angeles (in December) are among the U.S. cities to have launched programs to target immigration scams. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services created the Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law Initiative to help root out scams, and the agency provides information online that outlines the “top things to know” before and after filing applications and petitions, a list of common immigration scams and state-by-state information on how to report scams.
BAL Analysis: Scams targeting immigrants have become common in recent years. Most government agencies stress that officials will not make threats of deportation or ask for money over the telephone. Targets and victims of immigration scams are encouraged to contact law enforcement authorities. BAL will continue to monitor reports of scams and update clients accordingly.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network providers. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
What is the change? The Canadian and British embassies in Egypt have halted public services due to unspecified security concerns.
What does the change mean? Until further notice, both Canada and the United Kingdom have suspended all activities, including visa applications and document services.
Background: On Dec. 7, the British Embassy in Cairo announced that it would temporarily close and suspend services. The next day, the Canadian Embassy followed, citing security concerns. The British Embassy said it is taking steps to improve the physical security of the building before it reopens and has asked the public not to visit the building until further notice. Officials said that new visa applications are not being accepted and that individuals with pending applications should expect delays in getting their passports back. Applicants who have already been notified that their passports are ready to be picked up can do so at the Visa Application Center, but it is only open for accepting inquiries and returning passports.
The closure of these two embassies could prompt other Western countries to close their embassies. The U.S. Embassy remains open, but it posted a security message to U.S. citizens Dec. 4, reminding them to be alert to their surroundings and recommending that embassy staff “carefully scrutinize their personal movements and consider staying close to their residences and neighborhoods over the coming period.”
BAL Analysis: If the closures are prolonged, visa applicants will face long delays or have to apply outside Egypt. The British Embassy is advising those applying for Visit Visas that they may apply at any other country that has a Visa Application Center and is recommending that those applying for other visa types apply in Jordan or the United Arab Emirates.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.
What are the changes? Many government offices close for a number of holidays across the world at the end of the year and in early 2015. Christmas and New Year’s Day will close most government agencies for one or more days on and around Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
What does the change mean? Companies applying for work permits and other services should file applications early to avoid the seasonal rush.
Background: Almost all countries have holidays scheduled for Dec. 25, 2014, and Jan. 1, 2015. Many countries will also reduce business hours in the days surrounding Christmas and New Year’s and close completely on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. Most Islamic countries will also close Jan. 3 to observe Eid Mawlid al-Nabi, Prophet’s Birthday.
Some countries may close for extended periods in the coming months. Russia observes a New Year’s holiday Jan. 1- 5 and Orthodox Christmas Jan. 7. China does not mark Dec. 25 as an official public holiday, but will close Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day and the week of Feb. 19-26 to celebrate the lunar Chinese New Year.
BAL Analysis: Companies should anticipate slower processing of visas, residence permits and work permits until offices reopen in early January. Employers should be cognizant of these closures and plan to file immigration-related applications as soon as possible.
The deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa has prompted countries across the globe to respond with measures ranging from stepped-up health screening at airports to all-out travel bans. Most countries are leaving Ebola-related restrictions in place, at least for now, even after two African countries with reported cases were recently declared Ebola free.
The World Health Organization recently reported that Ebola outbreaks had ended in Nigeria and Senegal. But Ebola continues to “increase exponentially” in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, according to the WHO. Isolated Ebola cases have been reported outside of West Africa, including that of a New York City doctor reportedly infected after returning from treating patients in Guinea. All told, the WHO reports that there have been 9,936 Ebola cases and 4,877 deaths since the outbreak began.
A number of African countries responded to the outbreak by barring entry to travelers from Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and, on occasion, other countries they feared may be hit with the virus. Clusters of countries in the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean have also instituted travel bans.
European countries have mostly avoided travel bans, but flights to and from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone have been limited. A number of European countries have also imposed increased health screening at airports. The screening often involves checking travelers’ temperatures and isolating those who are demonstrating Ebola-like symptoms.
In the U.S., the Obama administration has resisted mounting calls for a travel ban, but announced this week that all travelers flying from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone would be routed through five airports equipped with enhanced Ebola screening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention next week will begin requiring travelers from the three countries to report their temperatures and any other symptoms on a daily basis for a three-week period after coming or returning to the U.S.
In light of a handful of reported Ebola cases in the U.S., earlier this week, Rwanda announced that it would perform special screening of travelers from the U.S. and Spain (another country with isolated cases). However, the policy was withdrawn almost immediately. Rwanda’s minister of health, Agnes Binagwaho, said on Twitter Wednesday that Rwanda was “removing special screening” for travelers from the U.S. and Spain and said the decision was “solely mine and not endorsed by the Government of Rwanda.”
The Ebola outbreak has prompted varying immigration and travel-related responses that can – and have – changed at a moment’s notice. Travelers headed to or from West African countries – Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone in particular – should familiarize themselves with applicable rules and restrictions and plan accordingly. Delays should be expected.
North America & Caribbean
South America
Europe
Middle East
Africa
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Australia & New Zealand
What is the change? All companies in the oil industry are required to complete and submit an annual program contract and a human resources development plan, each showing steps being taken toward Angolanization of their workforce, by Oct. 31.
What does the change mean? Companies that do not meet the program contract are subject to fines, and companies that do not follow the procedures will not be able to request work visas.
Background: The Training Decree Law, enacted in 2009, mandates that oil companies under a program contract with the Ministry of Petroleum must file a human resources development plan every year. Companies in the oil industry must complete their registration with the Ministry of Petroleum and sign a program contract that is updated annually to meet quota requirements for foreign workers. The human resources development plan must be submitted on official forms and set out a company’s recruitment and training goals for foreign nationals and Angolan workers as well as the goals to hire more Angolan workers in the coming year.
BAL Analysis: Companies in the oil industry should work with their BAL attorney to complete their plan by the deadline.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Angola. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
What is the change? Offices will close this week as countries with significant Muslim populations observe the Eid al-Adha holiday.
Background: Eid al-Adha, or “Feast of the Sacrifice,” is a Muslim holiday celebrating the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It also commemorates the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ismail in an act of obedience to God (Allah).
Closures for Eid al-Adha vary by country.
The United Arab Emirates announced the holiday will run Friday, Oct. 3 through Monday, Oct. 6, with public offices closed on Sunday, Oct. 5 and Monday, Oct. 6. Qatar announced that the government would observe the holiday from Thursday, Oct. 2 until Sunday, Oct. 12, subject to possible change. A number countries in Asia including Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore (where the holiday is also called Hari Raya Haji) previously announced government closures on Monday, Oct. 6. India’s Foreigners Regional Registration Offices in Mumbai and Delhi announced that it would be closed Thursday, Oct. 2 through Monday, Oct. 6.
BAL Analysis: Some countries’ closures are set shortly before the holiday and may change even after dates of closures are announced. Companies and foreign employees should check with their BAL attorney for local schedules that could impact urgent filings. The holiday also impacts private-sector offices, but often for shorter periods. Companies or foreign nationals in need of urgent immigration-related services should submit applications immediately to avoid delays.
What is the change? Around the beginning of October, countries with majority or large Muslim populations across the Middle East, Africa and Asia will shut down for periods ranging from two to nine days in observance of Eid al-Adha.
What does the change mean? Companies and foreign nationals seeking government services should submit applications now to avoid delays caused by the holiday break.
Background: Holiday schedules will vary by region and country. The United Arab Emirates announced its public sector will close approximately Oct. 5-9, although precise dates have not been announced.
Several countries in Asia, including Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore, where the holiday is also called Hari Raya Haji, have announced government closures on Oct. 6. India’s Foreigners Regional Registration Offices in Mumbai and Delhi will be closed Oct. 2-6.
Eid al-Adha, or “Feast of the Sacrifice,” is a Muslim holiday celebrating the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It also commemorates the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ismail in an act of obedience to God (Allah). Some countries do not confirm the exact dates until the lunar moon is sighted. The holiday, which falls on the 10th day of the lunar month, is expected to fall on Oct. 4 or 5. Other countries use astronomical calculations and fix the date in advance.
BAL Analysis: Companies and foreign employees and assignees should check with their BAL attorney for local schedules that could impact urgent filings. Note that the holiday will also close private sector offices, but for shorter periods.
What is the change? The U.S. has implemented the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), mandating new reporting requirements for Americans living abroad.
What does the change mean? U.S. nationals living abroad must disclose foreign accounts that meet certain thresholds to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) annually or face steep fines and penalties.
Background: FATCA is a U.S. law with broad scope that aims to reduce tax evasion by U.S. taxpayers with foreign accounts or assets. More than 80 countries, including Canada, China and, most recently, Russia, have agreed to implement the law. Under FATCA, foreign financial institutions must disclose the names and account information of U.S. citizens with accounts of more than $50,000 to the IRS. Thresholds are higher for U.S. citizens living abroad, generally $200,000 to $400,00, and vary depending on whether they are filing a joint or single return. Foreign financial institutions that fail to comply will incur a 30-percent withholding tax on U.S.-based income. Individuals who violate FATCA also face monetary penalties. A list of countries that have agreed to comply with FATCA can be found here on the U.S. Treasury’s website.
BAL Analysis: FATCA has an unprecedented global reach on U.S. taxpayers, especially American citizens residing abroad, regardless of time spent in the U.S. American expatriates should seek advice from tax experts on reporting obligations under FATCA.
What is the change? The Eid holiday at the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan will close many government and private offices throughout the world for two to 10 days, depending on local schedules.
What does the change mean? Companies should expect delays of one week or more in processing.
Background: Eid, a Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on or around July 27, depending on moon sightings. Many countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa will observe national holidays for a minimum of two days and up to 10 days.
BAL Analysis: The closures of government offices will likely shut down all processing during the week of July 28 to Aug. 1. Some private offices will also be closed.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in the United Arab Emirates. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.