If you’re planning to apply for visas, residence permits, work authorisations, or immigration documents in March 2026, be prepared for slower processing times in many parts of the world due to the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr holidays. During the holy month and the festive period that follows, government offices in several regions often reduce working hours or close entirely — which can significantly delay immigration services.
When the Slowdowns Will Happen
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Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin around 18–19 February and run until around 19–20 March, depending on moon sighting.
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Eid al-Fitr — the festival marking the end of Ramadan — will likely fall between 19–21 March 2026. This week is when many offices will close or operate at minimal capacity.
How Immigration Services Are Affected
Across parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, immigration departments, embassies and consulates may:
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Reduce daily working hours during Ramadan
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Temporarily halt processing entirely around Eid
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Delay approvals for visas, work permits, residency renewals, or document stamping
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Slow down online systems due to limited staffing
These delays particularly affect applications submitted in late February or throughout March, as many services pause or move slowly during the final week of Ramadan and the Eid holidays.
26 Countries Likely Affected
Government closures and reduced processing can occur in a wide range of nations, including:
• 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 (minimal impact expected)
• Tunisia
• United Arab Emirates
Plus others in the region where Ramadan observance influences public service hours and holiday closures.
What This Means for You
If your visa or immigration plan involves travel, work, study, or residency processing in March 2026:
✅ Apply early: Submit applications well before late February to avoid holiday bottlenecks.
✅ Check local calendars: Closures and hours vary by country and consulate.
✅ Expect delays around 19–24 March: Most offices will slow down or close for Eid celebrations.
✅ Adjust timelines: If deadlines fall during or right after Eid, build in extra processing time.
Why This Happens
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are major religious observances in many Muslim-majority countries. Public offices follow shortened work hours, and many close completely for several days at the end of Ramadan — which is a normal yearly pattern but one that significantly affects immigration and visa services.
In short: late applications risk significant processing delays in 2026 unless you plan well ahead and take holiday closures into account.