Employment visa processing

Hi,
I was wondering whether anybody could help me with some information about employment visa processing in UAE. How much time does it take after all the formalities have been fulfilled (like attested certificates and medical exam)? I got the offer on Dec 12th. Then, the agency informed that visa allotted for the year 2005 is over and it can only be done in 2006. I wonder what that means... Assuming the reason is true, will the visa processing start in the start of Jan? They're non-committal about the time it takes...
Hoping for a reply...
Divya.

Apparently they have installed new software at the immigration / Visa office. They've a backlog at the moment so presumably its hard to say how long its going to take

Furthermore - all public sector offices are closed until 14th for morning and eid

www.gulfnews.com/natio...10116.html

Thank you, Rantok, for yr reply...This'd been eating off my mind for quite a while. It's a relief to know that the excuse is genuine and the delay is valid. I'd tried to contact the embassy and got the reply that 'normally' the visa is done in 15 days and that I should contact my agent for any further details, which was frustrating...
Thanks again...Also, I remember one Rana who'd posted a similar query sometime back. I'm curious to know whether he got his visa approved...
Rana, are u listening?
Divya.

Divya
Just to add to Rantok's comments, in my experience it can take considerably longer than 15 days, and with all the hold ups there will be a back log. So sit tight.
CathyG

Thanks Cathy...My agent has now come up with a date of Feb 11th. Hope it works out this time...
Divya.

I managed to get a permanent job as did many others