MANAGEMENT MOBILITY CONSULTING

[RELOCATION] What Happens When an Online Procedure Is Blocked?, 2026/10/26

Temporary disruption to government websites was reported during the week of 19 October in several countries, including France, while security vulnerabilities were being addressed.

For teams preparing an international move, a technical interruption can raise very practical questions: should the flight be confirmed, temporary accommodation extended or the employee’s departure postponed?

The answer depends on the individual case and the procedure involved. An unavailable portal does not necessarily mean that a move must be put on hold. However, if an essential step remains outstanding, the consequences should be checked with the immigration adviser before making further commitments.

Identify what still depends on an administrative decision

Before confirming bookings, it helps to establish which steps remain outstanding and what additional costs a delay could create. A booking that can still be changed, or notice that has not yet been given on the employee’s current home, can provide useful flexibility.

If an online submission fails, keeping dated screenshots also helps document the attempts. This should not, however, be taken to mean that a deadline will be extended.

Share the practical consequences promptly

The immigration adviser can assess how the interruption affects the procedure. The relocation team then needs to reflect this in the housing and arrival arrangements, in coordination with HR and the employee.

At Management Mobility Consulting, our main takeaway is the importance of this coordination. Even when a new date cannot yet be confirmed, the client needs to know what remains on hold, what can proceed and when a decision will be needed.

We cannot always speed up an administrative procedure. We can nevertheless adapt the relocation arrangements and give the client the information they need to make decisions.