Middle East: Alert for Employers and Travelers

As instability spreads across the Middle East amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, widespread travel and security disruptions are creating significant uncertainty, with reports of travelers stranded and commercial operations interrupted. Escalating security developments are significantly affecting inbound and outbound travel to Gulf nations, as well as U.S. citizen services and immigrant and nonimmigrant visa processing at U.S. consular posts throughout the region. There are reported widespread appointment cancellations, suspension of routine visa services, and extended processing delays as a result of ongoing military strikes. The Alliance of Business Immigration Attorneys (ABIL) has provided the following tips for employers and travelers:

• Practitioners are urging against non-essential travel to countries where departure and shelter-in-place notices are in effect for consular staff. If travel is necessary, travelers should anticipate flight cancellations, appointment cancellations, and longer processing timelines. Travelers needing to renew their nonimmigrant visas may not be able to do so until the U.S. consulates reopen, which would leave them unable to return to the United States for an indeterminate period of time.
• Travelers should review country-specific updates and advice, including the Department of State’s (DOS) travel advisories. In addition to Iran and Israel, countries in the region that are currently affected by related security issues include Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, the West Bank and Gaza, and Yemen. U.S. citizens in any of the affected nations, as well as other Gulf nations, should consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and to be easily contacted in an emergency. Travelers also should monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust travel plans accordingly.
• DOS said that in addition to enrolling in STEP, U.S. citizens can follow the U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens channel on WhatsApp and check for any recent alerts.

Given the rapidly evolving conditions across the Middle East, ABIL encourages employers and affected individuals to closely monitor official government guidance and assess mobility plans carefully. Those who have employees affected by these developments or who require immediate assistance, including situation-specific guidance regarding global mobility strategy, consular processing disruptions, or employee safety planning, should contact an attorney.

This is posting is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice. If you require further assistance or advice relating to the above, please contact our Partner, Catherine Betancourt at catherine@flynnhodkinson.com.