Residence permit applicants should expect delayed approvals due to the following issues at the Foreigners' Office of Immigration, which issues residence permits:

• The Assistant Director of the Foreigners' Office of Immigration is on temporary leave until May 10, 2016;
• Recent staffing changes; and
• An ongoing internal audit.

Work permit applicants should expect delayed approvals due to changes to the internal operations system at the Ministry of Labor, which issues work permits.

Additionally, new work permit rule interpretations are expected at the Ministry of Labor as a new Chief of the Work Permit Department was appointed at the end of February.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Employers should account for potential delayed start dates.

Residence and work permit applicants should work with their immigration professionals to submit their applications as soon as possible to account for delays at both government offices.

Fragomen will report on any new rule interpretations as information becomes available.

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