Visa and immigration processing services across 26 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, Türkiye, and parts of Asia are expected to experience delays in the coming weeks. The slowdown is linked to reduced working hours during Ramadan and the upcoming public holidays for Eid al-Fitr.
Government offices and immigration departments in many Muslim-majority countries typically operate on shortened schedules during Ramadan. As a result, administrative procedures, including visa approvals and immigration processing, may take longer than usual.
In addition to shorter working hours, many public offices temporarily close or operate with limited staff during the Eid holiday period. These combined factors often lead to longer queues and slower processing, especially for applications submitted close to the end of Ramadan.
In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin around February 18 or 19 and conclude around March 19 or 20, depending on moon sightings. Eid al-Fitr celebrations are likely to take place between March 19 and March 21, although the exact dates will vary based on local confirmations.
Historically, the final week of Ramadan and the days surrounding Eid are the most challenging period for visa and immigration services. During this time, applications may take longer to process or remain pending until government offices fully resume operations after the holidays.
The countries where visa and immigration services may experience delays include Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Brunei, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Tunisia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates.
Although the level of disruption may differ from country to country, the overall trend suggests slower processing times across many visa and immigration departments during this period.
Applicants planning to submit visa applications in March 2026 are advised to apply earlier than usual. Immigration experts recommend avoiding submissions during the final days of Ramadan, when processing backlogs are most likely to occur.
Businesses and employers sponsoring international workers may also need to adjust recruitment and onboarding timelines. Planning ahead can help prevent unexpected delays in employee visa approvals or work permit renewals.
Travelers, students, and professionals seeking visas are encouraged to stay informed through official government or embassy channels. Monitoring updates and submitting applications well in advance can help minimize the impact of seasonal administrative slowdowns.
