diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.rst b/CONTRIBUTING.rst
index ed1ed3849..8433be243 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.rst
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.rst
@@ -75,6 +75,9 @@ You need to install ``tox`` (``pip3 install tox``) to run tests and lint checks
    # run unit tests in one python environment only (useful for quick testing during development):
    tox -e py311
 
+   # run unit and smoke tests in one python environment only
+   tox -e py312,smoke
+
    # build the documentation - the result will be generated in build/sphinx/html/:
    tox -e docs
 
diff --git a/docs/cli-examples.rst b/docs/cli-examples.rst
index 7408d9bad..2ed1c5804 100644
--- a/docs/cli-examples.rst
+++ b/docs/cli-examples.rst
@@ -9,9 +9,11 @@ CLI examples
 CI Lint
 -------
 
+**ci-lint has been Removed in Gitlab 16, use project-ci-lint instead**
+
 Lint a CI YAML configuration from a string:
 
-.. note:: 
+.. note::
 
    To see output, you will need to use the ``-v``/``--verbose`` flag.
 
@@ -39,6 +41,9 @@ Validate a CI YAML configuration from a file (lints and exits with non-zero on f
 
    $ gitlab ci-lint validate --content @.gitlab-ci.yml
 
+Project CI Lint
+---------------
+
 Lint a project's CI YAML configuration:
 
 .. code-block:: console
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_boards.py b/tests/functional/api/test_boards.py
index 24c62ca67..1679a14e9 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_boards.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_boards.py
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@ def test_project_boards(project):
     board = project.boards.get(board.id)
 
     project.boards.delete(board.id)
-    assert not project.boards.list()
 
 
 def test_group_boards(group):
@@ -15,4 +14,3 @@ def test_group_boards(group):
     board = group.boards.get(board.id)
 
     group.boards.delete(board.id)
-    assert not group.boards.list()
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_bulk_imports.py b/tests/functional/api/test_bulk_imports.py
index 899d35840..a9a649fcc 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_bulk_imports.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_bulk_imports.py
@@ -1,4 +1,32 @@
-def test_bulk_imports(gl, group):
+import time
+
+import pytest
+
+import gitlab
+
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def bulk_import_enabled(gl: gitlab.Gitlab):
+    settings = gl.settings.get()
+    bulk_import_default = settings.bulk_import_enabled
+
+    settings.bulk_import_enabled = True
+    settings.save()
+
+    # todo: why so fussy with feature flag timing?
+    time.sleep(5)
+    get_settings = gl.settings.get()
+    assert get_settings.bulk_import_enabled is True
+
+    yield settings
+
+    settings.bulk_import_enabled = bulk_import_default
+    settings.save()
+
+
+# https://github.com/python-gitlab/python-gitlab/pull/2790#pullrequestreview-1873617123
+@pytest.mark.xfail(reason="Bulk Imports to be worked on in a follow up")
+def test_bulk_imports(gl, group, bulk_import_enabled):
     destination = f"{group.full_path}-import"
     configuration = {
         "url": gl.url,
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_current_user.py b/tests/functional/api/test_current_user.py
index b12145e48..561dbe4b0 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_current_user.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_current_user.py
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@ def test_current_user_email(gl):
     assert mail in gl.user.emails.list()
 
     mail.delete()
-    assert mail not in gl.user.emails.list()
 
 
 def test_current_user_gpg_keys(gl, GPG_KEY):
@@ -14,8 +13,8 @@ def test_current_user_gpg_keys(gl, GPG_KEY):
 
     # Seems broken on the gitlab side
     gkey = gl.user.gpgkeys.get(gkey.id)
+
     gkey.delete()
-    assert gkey not in gl.user.gpgkeys.list()
 
 
 def test_current_user_ssh_keys(gl, SSH_KEY):
@@ -24,7 +23,6 @@ def test_current_user_ssh_keys(gl, SSH_KEY):
     assert key in gl.user.keys.list()
 
     key.delete()
-    assert key not in gl.user.keys.list()
 
 
 def test_current_user_status(gl):
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_deploy_keys.py b/tests/functional/api/test_deploy_keys.py
index 1fbaa18e6..ac65555cc 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_deploy_keys.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_deploy_keys.py
@@ -7,5 +7,5 @@ def test_project_deploy_keys(gl, project, DEPLOY_KEY):
     assert deploy_key in project2.keys.list()
 
     project2.keys.delete(deploy_key.id)
-    assert deploy_key not in project2.keys.list()
+
     project2.delete()
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_deploy_tokens.py b/tests/functional/api/test_deploy_tokens.py
index 538dabe53..0b506e078 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_deploy_tokens.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_deploy_tokens.py
@@ -1,9 +1,13 @@
+import datetime
+
+
 def test_project_deploy_tokens(gl, project):
+    today = datetime.date.today().isoformat()
     deploy_token = project.deploytokens.create(
         {
             "name": "foo",
             "username": "bar",
-            "expires_at": "2022-01-01",
+            "expires_at": today,
             "scopes": ["read_registry"],
         }
     )
@@ -12,13 +16,11 @@ def test_project_deploy_tokens(gl, project):
 
     deploy_token = project.deploytokens.get(deploy_token.id)
     assert deploy_token.name == "foo"
-    assert deploy_token.expires_at == "2022-01-01T00:00:00.000Z"
+    assert deploy_token.expires_at == f"{today}T00:00:00.000Z"
     assert deploy_token.scopes == ["read_registry"]
     assert deploy_token.username == "bar"
 
     deploy_token.delete()
-    assert deploy_token not in project.deploytokens.list()
-    assert deploy_token not in gl.deploytokens.list()
 
 
 def test_group_deploy_tokens(gl, group):
@@ -37,5 +39,3 @@ def test_group_deploy_tokens(gl, group):
     assert deploy_token.scopes == ["read_registry"]
 
     deploy_token.delete()
-    assert deploy_token not in group.deploytokens.list()
-    assert deploy_token not in gl.deploytokens.list()
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_epics.py b/tests/functional/api/test_epics.py
index 073ca2ad7..a4f6765da 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_epics.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_epics.py
@@ -23,7 +23,6 @@ def test_epic_issues(epic, issue):
     assert epic.issues.list()
 
     epic_issue.delete()
-    assert not epic.issues.list()
 
 
 def test_epic_notes(epic):
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_gitlab.py b/tests/functional/api/test_gitlab.py
index 4668fa71e..af505c73b 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_gitlab.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_gitlab.py
@@ -53,7 +53,6 @@ def test_broadcast_messages(gl, get_all_kwargs):
     assert msg.color == "#444444"
 
     msg.delete()
-    assert msg not in gl.broadcastmessages.list()
 
 
 def test_markdown(gl):
@@ -151,7 +150,6 @@ def test_hooks(gl):
     assert hook in gl.hooks.list()
 
     hook.delete()
-    assert hook not in gl.hooks.list()
 
 
 def test_namespaces(gl, get_all_kwargs):
@@ -202,7 +200,6 @@ def test_features(gl):
     assert feat in gl.features.list()
 
     feat.delete()
-    assert feat not in gl.features.list()
 
 
 def test_pagination(gl, project):
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_groups.py b/tests/functional/api/test_groups.py
index ec381d594..8efc3245d 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_groups.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_groups.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ def test_groups(gl):
             "email": "user@test.com",
             "username": "user",
             "name": "user",
-            "password": "user_pass",
+            "password": "E4596f8be406Bc3a14a4ccdb1df80587#!1",
         }
     )
     user2 = gl.users.create(
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ def test_groups(gl):
             "email": "user2@test.com",
             "username": "user2",
             "name": "user2",
-            "password": "user2_pass",
+            "password": "E4596f8be406Bc3a14a4ccdb1df80587#!#2",
         }
     )
     group1 = gl.groups.create(
@@ -105,8 +105,9 @@ def test_groups(gl):
     assert result[0].id == user.id
 
     group1.members.delete(user.id)
-    assert user not in group1.members.list()
+
     assert group1.members_all.list()
+
     member = group1.members.get(user2.id)
     member.access_level = gitlab.const.AccessLevel.OWNER
     member.save()
@@ -135,7 +136,6 @@ def test_group_labels(group):
     assert label.name == "Label:that requires:encoding"
 
     label.delete()
-    assert label not in group.labels.list()
 
 
 @pytest.mark.gitlab_premium
@@ -194,7 +194,6 @@ def test_group_badges(group):
     assert badge.image_url == "http://another.example.com"
 
     badge.delete()
-    assert badge not in group.badges.list()
 
 
 def test_group_milestones(group):
@@ -228,7 +227,6 @@ def test_group_custom_attributes(gl, group):
     assert attr in group.customattributes.list()
 
     attr.delete()
-    assert attr not in group.customattributes.list()
 
 
 def test_group_subgroups_projects(gl, user):
@@ -270,7 +268,6 @@ def test_group_wiki(group):
     wiki.save()
 
     wiki.delete()
-    assert wiki not in group.wikis.list()
 
 
 @pytest.mark.gitlab_premium
@@ -285,7 +282,6 @@ def test_group_hooks(group):
     assert hook.note_events is True
 
     hook.delete()
-    assert hook not in group.hooks.list()
 
 
 def test_group_transfer(gl, group):
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_import_export.py b/tests/functional/api/test_import_export.py
index 8f9db9c60..6f70a810a 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_import_export.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_import_export.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 import gitlab
 
 
+# https://github.com/python-gitlab/python-gitlab/pull/2790#pullrequestreview-1873617123
 def test_group_import_export(gl, group, temp_dir):
     export = group.exports.create()
     assert export.message == "202 Accepted"
@@ -31,6 +32,8 @@ def test_group_import_export(gl, group, temp_dir):
     assert group_import.name == import_name
 
 
+# https://github.com/python-gitlab/python-gitlab/pull/2790#pullrequestreview-1873617123
+@pytest.mark.xfail(reason="test_project_import_export to be worked on in a follow up")
 def test_project_import_export(gl, project, temp_dir):
     export = project.exports.create()
     assert export.message == "202 Accepted"
@@ -68,6 +71,8 @@ def test_project_import_export(gl, project, temp_dir):
             raise Exception("Project import taking too much time")
 
 
+# https://github.com/python-gitlab/python-gitlab/pull/2790#pullrequestreview-1873617123
+@pytest.mark.xfail(reason="test_project_remote_import to be worked on in a follow up")
 def test_project_remote_import(gl):
     with pytest.raises(gitlab.exceptions.GitlabImportError) as err_info:
         gl.projects.remote_import(
@@ -80,6 +85,10 @@ def test_project_remote_import(gl):
     )
 
 
+# https://github.com/python-gitlab/python-gitlab/pull/2790#pullrequestreview-1873617123
+@pytest.mark.xfail(
+    reason="test_project_remote_import_s3 to be worked on in a follow up"
+)
 def test_project_remote_import_s3(gl):
     gl.features.set("import_project_from_remote_file_s3", True)
     with pytest.raises(gitlab.exceptions.GitlabImportError) as err_info:
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_issues.py b/tests/functional/api/test_issues.py
index 1a373bd96..98825d027 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_issues.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_issues.py
@@ -18,8 +18,6 @@ def test_create_issue(project):
     assert issue in project.issues.list(state="opened")
     assert issue2 in project.issues.list(state="closed")
 
-    assert isinstance(issue.user_agent_detail(), dict)
-    assert issue.user_agent_detail()["user_agent"]
     assert issue.participants()
     assert type(issue.closed_by()) == list
     assert type(issue.related_merge_requests()) == list
@@ -33,10 +31,7 @@ def test_issue_notes(issue):
     assert emoji in note.awardemojis.list()
 
     emoji.delete()
-    assert emoji not in note.awardemojis.list()
-
     note.delete()
-    assert note not in issue.notes.list()
 
 
 def test_issue_labels(project, issue):
@@ -62,8 +57,8 @@ def test_issue_links(project, issue):
     assert links
 
     link_id = links[0].issue_link_id
+
     issue.links.delete(link_id)
-    assert not issue.links.list()
 
 
 def test_issue_label_events(issue):
@@ -114,5 +109,3 @@ def test_issue_discussions(issue):
     assert discussion.attributes["notes"][-1]["body"] == "updated body"
 
     d_note_from_get.delete()
-    discussion = issue.discussions.get(discussion.id)
-    assert len(discussion.attributes["notes"]) == 1
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_lazy_objects.py b/tests/functional/api/test_lazy_objects.py
index cd149b422..607a63648 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_lazy_objects.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_lazy_objects.py
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+import time
+
 import pytest
 
 import gitlab
@@ -27,9 +29,10 @@ def test_save_after_lazy_get_with_path(project, lazy_project):
     assert lazy_project.description == "A new description"
 
 
-def test_delete_after_lazy_get_with_path(gl, group, wait_for_sidekiq):
+def test_delete_after_lazy_get_with_path(gl, group):
     project = gl.projects.create({"name": "lazy_project", "namespace_id": group.id})
-    wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
+    # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+    time.sleep(5)
     lazy_project = gl.projects.get(project.path_with_namespace, lazy=True)
     lazy_project.delete()
 
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_merge_requests.py b/tests/functional/api/test_merge_requests.py
index 7557c6ac9..fe54abd94 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_merge_requests.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_merge_requests.py
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+import datetime
 import time
 
 import pytest
@@ -16,7 +17,7 @@ def test_merge_requests(project):
         }
     )
 
-    source_branch = "branch1"
+    source_branch = "branch-merge-request-api"
     project.branches.create({"branch": source_branch, "ref": "main"})
 
     project.files.create(
@@ -28,7 +29,7 @@ def test_merge_requests(project):
         }
     )
     project.mergerequests.create(
-        {"source_branch": "branch1", "target_branch": "main", "title": "MR readme2"}
+        {"source_branch": source_branch, "target_branch": "main", "title": "MR readme2"}
     )
 
 
@@ -72,8 +73,6 @@ def test_merge_request_discussion(project):
     assert discussion.attributes["notes"][-1]["body"] == "updated body"
 
     note_from_get.delete()
-    discussion = mr.discussions.get(discussion.id)
-    assert len(discussion.attributes["notes"]) == 1
 
 
 def test_merge_request_labels(project):
@@ -164,27 +163,33 @@ def test_project_merge_request_approval_rules(group, project):
     assert approval_rules[0].approvals_required == 2
 
     approval_rules[0].delete()
-    ars = project.approvalrules.list(get_all=True)
-    assert len(ars) == 0
 
 
-def test_merge_request_reset_approvals(gitlab_url, project, wait_for_sidekiq):
-    bot = project.access_tokens.create({"name": "bot", "scopes": ["api"]})
+def test_merge_request_reset_approvals(gitlab_url, project):
+    today = datetime.date.today()
+    future_date = today + datetime.timedelta(days=4)
+    bot = project.access_tokens.create(
+        {"name": "bot", "scopes": ["api"], "expires_at": future_date.isoformat()}
+    )
+
     bot_gitlab = gitlab.Gitlab(gitlab_url, private_token=bot.token)
     bot_project = bot_gitlab.projects.get(project.id, lazy=True)
 
-    wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
+    # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+    time.sleep(5)
+
     mr = bot_project.mergerequests.list()[0]  # type: ignore[index]
+
     assert mr.reset_approvals()
 
 
-def test_cancel_merge_when_pipeline_succeeds(
-    project, merge_request_with_pipeline, wait_for_sidekiq
-):
-    wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
+def test_cancel_merge_when_pipeline_succeeds(project, merge_request_with_pipeline):
+    # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+    time.sleep(5)
     # Set to merge when the pipeline succeeds, which should never happen
     merge_request_with_pipeline.merge(merge_when_pipeline_succeeds=True)
-    wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
+    # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+    time.sleep(5)
 
     mr = project.mergerequests.get(merge_request_with_pipeline.iid)
     assert mr.merged_at is None
@@ -193,9 +198,10 @@ def test_cancel_merge_when_pipeline_succeeds(
     assert cancel == {"status": "success"}
 
 
-def test_merge_request_merge(project, merge_request, wait_for_sidekiq):
+def test_merge_request_merge(project, merge_request):
     merge_request.merge()
-    wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
+    # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+    time.sleep(5)
 
     mr = project.mergerequests.get(merge_request.iid)
     assert mr.merged_at is not None
@@ -205,15 +211,14 @@ def test_merge_request_merge(project, merge_request, wait_for_sidekiq):
         mr.merge()
 
 
-def test_merge_request_should_remove_source_branch(
-    project, merge_request, wait_for_sidekiq
-) -> None:
+def test_merge_request_should_remove_source_branch(project, merge_request) -> None:
     """Test to ensure
     https://github.com/python-gitlab/python-gitlab/issues/1120 is fixed.
     Bug reported that they could not use 'should_remove_source_branch' in
     mr.merge() call"""
     merge_request.merge(should_remove_source_branch=True)
-    wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
+    # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+    time.sleep(5)
 
     # Wait until it is merged
     mr = None
@@ -227,7 +232,8 @@ def test_merge_request_should_remove_source_branch(
     assert mr is not None
     assert mr.merged_at is not None
     time.sleep(0.5)
-    wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
+    # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+    time.sleep(5)
 
     # Ensure we can NOT get the MR branch
     with pytest.raises(gitlab.exceptions.GitlabGetError):
@@ -240,9 +246,7 @@ def test_merge_request_should_remove_source_branch(
         print("result:", pprint.pformat(result))
 
 
-def test_merge_request_large_commit_message(
-    project, merge_request, wait_for_sidekiq
-) -> None:
+def test_merge_request_large_commit_message(project, merge_request) -> None:
     """Test to ensure https://github.com/python-gitlab/python-gitlab/issues/1452
     is fixed.
     Bug reported that very long 'merge_commit_message' in mr.merge() would
@@ -255,7 +259,8 @@ def test_merge_request_large_commit_message(
         merge_commit_message=merge_commit_message, should_remove_source_branch=False
     )
 
-    wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
+    # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+    time.sleep(5)
 
     # Wait until it is merged
     mr = None
@@ -279,9 +284,7 @@ def test_merge_request_merge_ref(merge_request) -> None:
     assert response and "commit_id" in response
 
 
-def test_merge_request_merge_ref_should_fail(
-    project, merge_request, wait_for_sidekiq
-) -> None:
+def test_merge_request_merge_ref_should_fail(project, merge_request) -> None:
     # Create conflict
     project.files.create(
         {
@@ -291,7 +294,8 @@ def test_merge_request_merge_ref_should_fail(
             "commit_message": "Another commit in main branch",
         }
     )
-    wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
+    # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+    time.sleep(5)
 
     # Check for non-existing merge_ref for MR with conflicts
     with pytest.raises(gitlab.exceptions.GitlabGetError):
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_projects.py b/tests/functional/api/test_projects.py
index 77bb8348b..75d402a0d 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_projects.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_projects.py
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+import time
 import uuid
 
 import pytest
@@ -45,7 +46,6 @@ def test_project_members(user, project):
     assert member.access_level == 30
 
     member.delete()
-    assert member not in project.members.list()
 
 
 def test_project_badges(project):
@@ -62,7 +62,6 @@ def test_project_badges(project):
     assert badge.image_url == "http://another.example.com"
 
     badge.delete()
-    assert badge not in project.badges.list()
 
 
 @pytest.mark.skip(reason="Commented out in legacy test")
@@ -78,7 +77,6 @@ def test_project_boards(project):
     last_list.save()
 
     last_list.delete()
-    assert last_list not in board.lists.list()
 
 
 def test_project_custom_attributes(gl, project):
@@ -97,7 +95,6 @@ def test_project_custom_attributes(gl, project):
     assert attr in project.customattributes.list()
 
     attr.delete()
-    assert attr not in project.customattributes.list()
 
 
 def test_project_environments(project):
@@ -115,8 +112,8 @@ def test_project_environments(project):
     assert environment.external_url == "http://new.env/whatever"
 
     environment.stop()
+
     environment.delete()
-    assert environment not in project.environments.list()
 
 
 def test_project_events(project):
@@ -156,7 +153,6 @@ def test_project_hooks(project):
     assert hook.note_events is True
 
     hook.delete()
-    assert hook not in project.hooks.list()
 
 
 def test_project_housekeeping(project):
@@ -184,7 +180,6 @@ def test_project_labels(project):
     assert label.subscribed is False
 
     label.delete()
-    assert label not in project.labels.list()
 
 
 def test_project_label_promotion(gl, group):
@@ -206,7 +201,6 @@ def test_project_label_promotion(gl, group):
     assert any(label.name == label_name for label in group.labels.list())
 
     group.labels.delete(label_name)
-    assert not any(label.name == label_name for label in group.labels.list())
 
 
 def test_project_milestones(project):
@@ -255,10 +249,9 @@ def test_project_pages_domains(gl, project):
     assert domain.domain == "foo.domain.com"
 
     domain.delete()
-    assert domain not in project.pagesdomains.list()
 
 
-def test_project_protected_branches(project, wait_for_sidekiq, gitlab_version):
+def test_project_protected_branches(project, gitlab_version):
     # Updating a protected branch is possible from Gitlab 15.6
     # https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/api/protected_branches.html#update-a-protected-branch
     can_update_prot_branch = gitlab_version.major > 15 or (
@@ -278,13 +271,14 @@ def test_project_protected_branches(project, wait_for_sidekiq, gitlab_version):
     if can_update_prot_branch:
         p_b.allow_force_push = True
         p_b.save()
-        wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
+        # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+        time.sleep(5)
 
     p_b = project.protectedbranches.get("*-stable")
     if can_update_prot_branch:
         assert p_b.allow_force_push
-    p_b.delete()
-    assert p_b not in project.protectedbranches.list()
+
+        p_b.delete()
 
 
 def test_project_remote_mirrors(project):
@@ -319,9 +313,6 @@ def test_project_services(project):
 
     service.delete()
 
-    service = project.services.get("asana")
-    assert service.active is False
-
 
 def test_project_stars(project):
     project.star()
@@ -342,7 +333,6 @@ def test_project_tags(project, project_file):
     assert tag in project.tags.list()
 
     tag.delete()
-    assert tag not in project.tags.list()
 
 
 def test_project_triggers(project):
@@ -350,7 +340,6 @@ def test_project_triggers(project):
     assert trigger in project.triggers.list()
 
     trigger.delete()
-    assert trigger not in project.triggers.list()
 
 
 def test_project_wiki(project):
@@ -364,8 +353,8 @@ def test_project_wiki(project):
     # update and delete seem broken
     wiki.content = "new content"
     wiki.save()
+
     wiki.delete()
-    assert wiki not in project.wikis.list()
 
 
 def test_project_groups_list(gl, group):
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_releases.py b/tests/functional/api/test_releases.py
index c52e396c1..33b059c04 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_releases.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_releases.py
@@ -52,7 +52,6 @@ def test_update_save_project_release(project, release):
 
 def test_delete_project_release(project, release):
     project.releases.delete(release.tag_name)
-    assert release not in project.releases.list()
 
 
 def test_create_project_release_links(project, release):
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_repository.py b/tests/functional/api/test_repository.py
index dd70f10b1..03cca583b 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_repository.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_repository.py
@@ -158,10 +158,8 @@ def test_commit_discussion(project):
     note_from_get.body = "updated body"
     note_from_get.save()
     discussion = commit.discussions.get(discussion.id)
-    # assert discussion.attributes["notes"][-1]["body"] == "updated body"
+
     note_from_get.delete()
-    discussion = commit.discussions.get(discussion.id)
-    # assert len(discussion.attributes["notes"]) == 1
 
 
 def test_revert_commit(project):
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_services.py b/tests/functional/api/test_services.py
index 51805ef37..ce9503080 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_services.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_services.py
@@ -32,7 +32,5 @@ def test_get_service(project, service):
 
 def test_delete_service(project, service):
     service_object = project.services.get(service["slug"])
-    service_object.delete()
 
-    service_object = project.services.get(service["slug"])
-    assert not service_object.active
+    service_object.delete()
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_snippets.py b/tests/functional/api/test_snippets.py
index b6b1f0123..b0ea54d1d 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_snippets.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_snippets.py
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+import pytest
+
 import gitlab
 
 
@@ -20,10 +22,8 @@ def test_snippets(gl):
 
     content = snippet.content()
     assert content.decode() == "import gitlab"
-    assert snippet.user_agent_detail()["user_agent"]
 
     snippet.delete()
-    assert snippet not in gl.snippets.list(get_all=True)
 
 
 def test_project_snippets(project):
@@ -38,7 +38,16 @@ def test_project_snippets(project):
         }
     )
 
-    assert snippet.user_agent_detail()["user_agent"]
+    assert snippet.title == "snip1"
+
+
+@pytest.mark.xfail(reason="Returning 404 UserAgentDetail not found in GL 16")
+def test_project_snippet_user_agent_detail(project):
+    snippet = project.snippets.list()[0]
+
+    user_agent_detail = snippet.user_agent_detail()
+
+    assert user_agent_detail["user_agent"]
 
 
 def test_project_snippet_discussion(project):
@@ -56,8 +65,6 @@ def test_project_snippet_discussion(project):
     assert discussion.attributes["notes"][-1]["body"] == "updated body"
 
     note_from_get.delete()
-    discussion = snippet.discussions.get(discussion.id)
-    assert len(discussion.attributes["notes"]) == 1
 
 
 def test_project_snippet_file(project):
@@ -71,4 +78,3 @@ def test_project_snippet_file(project):
     assert snippet in project.snippets.list()
 
     snippet.delete()
-    assert snippet not in project.snippets.list()
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_topics.py b/tests/functional/api/test_topics.py
index 7777725a9..1fb7c8d63 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_topics.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_topics.py
@@ -31,4 +31,3 @@ def test_topics(gl, gitlab_version):
     assert merged_topic["id"] == topic2.id
 
     topic2.delete()
-    assert not gl.topics.list()
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_users.py b/tests/functional/api/test_users.py
index 9c300365b..58c90c646 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_users.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_users.py
@@ -4,6 +4,9 @@
 https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/api/users.html#delete-authentication-identity-from-user
 """
 
+import datetime
+import time
+
 import requests
 
 
@@ -13,7 +16,7 @@ def test_create_user(gl, fixture_dir):
             "email": "foo@bar.com",
             "username": "foo",
             "name": "foo",
-            "password": "foo_password",
+            "password": "E4596f8be406Bc3a14a4ccdb1df80587$3",
             "avatar": open(fixture_dir / "avatar.png", "rb"),
         }
     )
@@ -60,20 +63,20 @@ def test_ban_user(gl, user):
     assert retrieved_user.state == "active"
 
 
-def test_delete_user(gl, wait_for_sidekiq):
+def test_delete_user(gl):
     new_user = gl.users.create(
         {
             "email": "delete-user@test.com",
             "username": "delete-user",
             "name": "delete-user",
-            "password": "delete-user-pass",
+            "password": "E4596f8be406Bc3a14a4ccdb1df80587#15",
         }
     )
 
-    new_user.delete()
-    wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
+    # We don't need to validate Gitlab's behaviour by checking if user is present after a delay etc,
+    # just that python-gitlab acted correctly to produce a 2xx from Gitlab
 
-    assert new_user.id not in [user.id for user in gl.users.list()]
+    new_user.delete()
 
 
 def test_user_projects_list(gl, user):
@@ -101,7 +104,7 @@ def test_list_multiple_users(gl, user):
             "email": second_email,
             "username": second_username,
             "name": "Foo Bar",
-            "password": "foobar_password",
+            "password": "E4596f8be406Bc3a14a4ccdb1df80587#!",
         }
     )
     assert gl.users.list(search=second_user.username)[0].id == second_user.id
@@ -117,11 +120,7 @@ def test_user_gpg_keys(gl, user, GPG_KEY):
     gkey = user.gpgkeys.create({"key": GPG_KEY})
     assert gkey in user.gpgkeys.list()
 
-    # Seems broken on the gitlab side
-    # gkey = user.gpgkeys.get(gkey.id)
-
     gkey.delete()
-    assert gkey not in user.gpgkeys.list()
 
 
 def test_user_ssh_keys(gl, user, SSH_KEY):
@@ -132,7 +131,6 @@ def test_user_ssh_keys(gl, user, SSH_KEY):
     assert get_key.key == key.key
 
     key.delete()
-    assert key not in user.keys.list()
 
 
 def test_user_email(gl, user):
@@ -140,37 +138,45 @@ def test_user_email(gl, user):
     assert email in user.emails.list()
 
     email.delete()
-    assert email not in user.emails.list()
 
 
 def test_user_custom_attributes(gl, user):
-    attrs = user.customattributes.list()
-    assert not attrs
+    user.customattributes.list()
 
     attr = user.customattributes.set("key", "value1")
-    assert user in gl.users.list(custom_attributes={"key": "value1"})
+    users_with_attribute = gl.users.list(custom_attributes={"key": "value1"})
+
+    assert user in users_with_attribute
+
     assert attr.key == "key"
     assert attr.value == "value1"
     assert attr in user.customattributes.list()
 
-    attr = user.customattributes.set("key", "value2")
-    attr = user.customattributes.get("key")
-    assert attr.value == "value2"
-    assert attr in user.customattributes.list()
+    user.customattributes.set("key", "value2")
+    attr_2 = user.customattributes.get("key")
+    assert attr_2.value == "value2"
+    assert attr_2 in user.customattributes.list()
 
-    attr.delete()
-    assert attr not in user.customattributes.list()
+    attr_2.delete()
 
 
 def test_user_impersonation_tokens(gl, user):
+    today = datetime.date.today()
+    future_date = today + datetime.timedelta(days=4)
+
     token = user.impersonationtokens.create(
-        {"name": "token1", "scopes": ["api", "read_user"]}
+        {
+            "name": "user_impersonation_token",
+            "scopes": ["api", "read_user"],
+            "expires_at": future_date.isoformat(),
+        }
     )
+    # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+    time.sleep(30)
+
     assert token in user.impersonationtokens.list(state="active")
 
     token.delete()
-    assert token not in user.impersonationtokens.list(state="active")
-    assert token in user.impersonationtokens.list(state="inactive")
 
 
 def test_user_identities(gl, user):
@@ -182,5 +188,3 @@ def test_user_identities(gl, user):
     assert provider in [item["provider"] for item in user.identities]
 
     user.identityproviders.delete(provider)
-    user = gl.users.get(user.id)
-    assert provider not in [item["provider"] for item in user.identities]
diff --git a/tests/functional/api/test_variables.py b/tests/functional/api/test_variables.py
index 867e563a3..eeed51da7 100644
--- a/tests/functional/api/test_variables.py
+++ b/tests/functional/api/test_variables.py
@@ -17,7 +17,6 @@ def test_instance_variables(gl):
     assert variable.value == "new_value1"
 
     variable.delete()
-    assert variable not in gl.variables.list()
 
 
 def test_group_variables(group):
@@ -31,7 +30,6 @@ def test_group_variables(group):
     assert variable.value == "new_value1"
 
     variable.delete()
-    assert variable not in group.variables.list()
 
 
 def test_project_variables(project):
@@ -45,4 +43,3 @@ def test_project_variables(project):
     assert variable.value == "new_value1"
 
     variable.delete()
-    assert variable not in project.variables.list()
diff --git a/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_repository.py b/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_repository.py
index 2726d34ec..d6bd1d2e4 100644
--- a/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_repository.py
+++ b/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_repository.py
@@ -31,9 +31,13 @@ def test_list_all_commits(gitlab_cli, project):
     data = {
         "branch": "new-branch",
         "start_branch": "main",
-        "commit_message": "New commit on new branch",
+        "commit_message": "chore: test commit on new branch",
         "actions": [
-            {"action": "create", "file_path": "new-file", "content": "new content"}
+            {
+                "action": "create",
+                "file_path": "test-cli-repo.md",
+                "content": "new content",
+            }
         ],
     }
     commit = project.commits.create(data)
@@ -72,12 +76,16 @@ def test_list_merge_request_commits(gitlab_cli, merge_request, project):
     assert ret.stdout
 
 
-def test_commit_merge_requests(gitlab_cli, project, merge_request, wait_for_sidekiq):
+def test_commit_merge_requests(gitlab_cli, project, merge_request):
     """This tests the `project-commit merge-requests` command and also tests
     that we can print the result using the `json` formatter"""
-    # Merge the MR first
+
+    # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+    time.sleep(30)
+
     merge_result = merge_request.merge(should_remove_source_branch=True)
-    wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
+    # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+    time.sleep(5)
 
     # Wait until it is merged
     mr = None
@@ -90,8 +98,8 @@ def test_commit_merge_requests(gitlab_cli, project, merge_request, wait_for_side
 
     assert mr is not None
     assert mr.merged_at is not None
-    time.sleep(0.5)
-    wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
+    # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+    time.sleep(5)
 
     commit_sha = merge_result["sha"]
     cmd = [
diff --git a/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_resource_access_tokens.py b/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_resource_access_tokens.py
index 85136b3de..c080749b5 100644
--- a/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_resource_access_tokens.py
+++ b/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_resource_access_tokens.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import pytest
+import datetime
 
 
 def test_list_project_access_tokens(gitlab_cli, project):
@@ -18,13 +18,14 @@ def test_create_project_access_token_with_scopes(gitlab_cli, project):
         "test-token",
         "--scopes",
         "api,read_repository",
+        "--expires-at",
+        datetime.date.today().isoformat(),
     ]
     ret = gitlab_cli(cmd)
 
     assert ret.success
 
 
-@pytest.mark.skip(reason="Requires GitLab 14.7")
 def test_list_group_access_tokens(gitlab_cli, group):
     cmd = ["group-access-token", "list", "--group-id", group.id]
     ret = gitlab_cli(cmd)
@@ -42,6 +43,8 @@ def test_create_group_access_token_with_scopes(gitlab_cli, group):
         "test-token",
         "--scopes",
         "api,read_repository",
+        "--expires-at",
+        datetime.date.today().isoformat(),
     ]
     ret = gitlab_cli(cmd)
 
diff --git a/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_users.py b/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_users.py
index 8bf2fbcd4..fd1942ae1 100644
--- a/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_users.py
+++ b/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_users.py
@@ -1,3 +1,6 @@
+import datetime
+
+
 def test_create_user_impersonation_token_with_scopes(gitlab_cli, user):
     cmd = [
         "user-impersonation-token",
@@ -8,6 +11,8 @@ def test_create_user_impersonation_token_with_scopes(gitlab_cli, user):
         "test-token",
         "--scopes",
         "api,read_user",
+        "--expires-at",
+        datetime.date.today().isoformat(),
     ]
     ret = gitlab_cli(cmd)
 
diff --git a/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_v4.py b/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_v4.py
index a5b989700..4a0d07a08 100644
--- a/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_v4.py
+++ b/tests/functional/cli/test_cli_v4.py
@@ -1,6 +1,9 @@
+import datetime
 import os
 import time
 
+branch = "BRANCH-cli-v4"
+
 
 def test_create_project(gitlab_cli):
     name = "test-project1"
@@ -22,28 +25,6 @@ def test_update_project(gitlab_cli, project):
     assert description in ret.stdout
 
 
-def test_create_ci_lint(gitlab_cli, valid_gitlab_ci_yml):
-    cmd = ["ci-lint", "create", "--content", valid_gitlab_ci_yml]
-    ret = gitlab_cli(cmd)
-
-    assert ret.success
-
-
-def test_validate_ci_lint(gitlab_cli, valid_gitlab_ci_yml):
-    cmd = ["ci-lint", "validate", "--content", valid_gitlab_ci_yml]
-    ret = gitlab_cli(cmd)
-
-    assert ret.success
-
-
-def test_validate_ci_lint_invalid_exits_non_zero(gitlab_cli, invalid_gitlab_ci_yml):
-    cmd = ["ci-lint", "validate", "--content", invalid_gitlab_ci_yml]
-    ret = gitlab_cli(cmd)
-
-    assert not ret.success
-    assert "CI YAML Lint failed (Invalid configuration format)" in ret.stderr
-
-
 def test_validate_project_ci_lint(gitlab_cli, project, valid_gitlab_ci_yml):
     cmd = [
         "project-ci-lint",
@@ -103,7 +84,7 @@ def test_create_user(gitlab_cli, gl):
     email = "fake@email.com"
     username = "user1"
     name = "User One"
-    password = "fakepassword"
+    password = "E4596f8be406Bc3a14a4ccdb1df80587"
 
     cmd = [
         "user",
@@ -215,8 +196,6 @@ def test_create_issue_note(gitlab_cli, issue):
 
 
 def test_create_branch(gitlab_cli, project):
-    branch = "branch1"
-
     cmd = [
         "project-branch",
         "create",
@@ -233,7 +212,6 @@ def test_create_branch(gitlab_cli, project):
 
 
 def test_create_merge_request(gitlab_cli, project):
-    branch = "branch1"
 
     cmd = [
         "project-merge-request",
@@ -252,20 +230,20 @@ def test_create_merge_request(gitlab_cli, project):
     assert ret.success
 
 
-def test_accept_request_merge(gitlab_cli, project, wait_for_sidekiq):
+def test_accept_request_merge(gitlab_cli, project):
     # MR needs at least 1 commit before we can merge
     mr = project.mergerequests.list()[0]
     file_data = {
         "branch": mr.source_branch,
-        "file_path": "README2",
+        "file_path": "test-cli-v4.md",
         "content": "Content",
-        "commit_message": "Pre-merge commit",
+        "commit_message": "chore: test-cli-v4 change",
     }
     project.files.create(file_data)
-    time.sleep(2)
-    wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
+    # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+    time.sleep(30)
 
-    cmd = [
+    approve_cmd = [
         "project-merge-request",
         "merge",
         "--project-id",
@@ -273,7 +251,7 @@ def test_accept_request_merge(gitlab_cli, project, wait_for_sidekiq):
         "--iid",
         mr.iid,
     ]
-    ret = gitlab_cli(cmd)
+    ret = gitlab_cli(approve_cmd)
 
     assert ret.success
 
@@ -501,9 +479,6 @@ def test_delete_project_variable(gitlab_cli, variable):
 
 
 def test_delete_branch(gitlab_cli, project):
-    # TODO: branch fixture
-    branch = "branch1"
-
     cmd = ["project-branch", "delete", "--project-id", project.id, "--name", branch]
     ret = gitlab_cli(cmd)
 
@@ -590,7 +565,7 @@ def test_create_project_with_values_at_prefixed(gitlab_cli, tmpdir):
 def test_create_project_deploy_token(gitlab_cli, project):
     name = "project-token"
     username = "root"
-    expires_at = "2021-09-09"
+    expires_at = datetime.date.today().isoformat()
     scopes = "read_registry"
 
     cmd = [
@@ -666,7 +641,7 @@ def test_delete_project_deploy_token(gitlab_cli, deploy_token):
 def test_create_group_deploy_token(gitlab_cli, group):
     name = "group-token"
     username = "root"
-    expires_at = "2021-09-09"
+    expires_at = datetime.date.today().isoformat()
     scopes = "read_registry"
 
     cmd = [
diff --git a/tests/functional/conftest.py b/tests/functional/conftest.py
index 34b286b4d..f2f31e52f 100644
--- a/tests/functional/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/functional/conftest.py
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import dataclasses
+import datetime
 import logging
 import pathlib
 import tempfile
@@ -70,17 +71,15 @@ def reset_gitlab(gl: gitlab.Gitlab) -> None:
     exist."""
     if helpers.get_gitlab_plan(gl):
         logging.info("GitLab EE detected")
-        # NOTE(jlvillal): By default in GitLab EE it will wait 7 days before
-        # deleting a group. Disable delayed group/project deletion.
+        # NOTE(jlvillal, timknight): By default in GitLab EE it will wait 7 days before
+        # deleting a group or project.
+        # In GL 16.0 we need to call delete with `permanently_remove=True` for projects and sub groups
+        # (handled in helpers.py safe_delete)
         settings = gl.settings.get()
         modified_settings = False
-        if settings.delayed_group_deletion:
-            logging.info("Setting `delayed_group_deletion` to False")
-            settings.delayed_group_deletion = False
-            modified_settings = True
-        if settings.delayed_project_deletion:
-            logging.info("Setting `delayed_project_deletion` to False")
-            settings.delayed_project_deletion = False
+        if settings.deletion_adjourned_period != 1:
+            logging.info("Setting `deletion_adjourned_period` to 1 Day")
+            settings.deletion_adjourned_period = 1
             modified_settings = True
         if modified_settings:
             settings.save()
@@ -122,7 +121,7 @@ def reset_gitlab(gl: gitlab.Gitlab) -> None:
     for user in gl.users.list():
         if user.username not in ["root", "ghost"]:
             logging.info(f"Deleting user: {user.username!r}")
-            helpers.safe_delete(user, hard_delete=True)
+            helpers.safe_delete(user)
 
 
 def set_token(container: str, fixture_dir: pathlib.Path) -> str:
@@ -209,31 +208,6 @@ def _check(
     return _check
 
 
-@pytest.fixture
-def wait_for_sidekiq(gl):
-    """
-    Return a helper function to wait until there are no busy sidekiq processes.
-
-    Use this with asserts for slow tasks (group/project/user creation/deletion).
-    """
-
-    def _wait(timeout: int = 30, step: float = 0.5, allow_fail: bool = False) -> bool:
-        for count in range(timeout):
-            time.sleep(step)
-            busy = False
-            processes = gl.sidekiq.process_metrics()["processes"]
-            for process in processes:
-                if process["busy"]:
-                    busy = True
-            if not busy:
-                return True
-            logging.info(f"sidekiq busy {count} of {timeout}")
-        assert allow_fail, "sidekiq process should have terminated but did not."
-        return False
-
-    return _wait
-
-
 @pytest.fixture(scope="session")
 def gitlab_token(
     check_is_alive,
@@ -376,7 +350,7 @@ def project(gl):
 
 
 @pytest.fixture(scope="function")
-def make_merge_request(project, wait_for_sidekiq):
+def make_merge_request(project):
     """Fixture factory used to create a merge_request.
 
     It will create a branch, add a commit to the branch, and then create a
@@ -396,10 +370,11 @@ def _make_merge_request(*, source_branch: str, create_pipeline: bool = False):
         # NOTE(jlvillal): Sometimes the CI would give a "500 Internal Server
         # Error". Hoping that waiting until all other processes are done will
         # help with that.
-        result = wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
-        assert result is True, "sidekiq process should have terminated but did not"
+        # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+        time.sleep(30)
 
         project.refresh()  # Gets us the current default branch
+        logging.info(f"Creating branch {source_branch}")
         mr_branch = project.branches.create(
             {"branch": source_branch, "ref": project.default_branch}
         )
@@ -413,6 +388,7 @@ def _make_merge_request(*, source_branch: str, create_pipeline: bool = False):
                 "commit_message": "New commit in new branch",
             }
         )
+
         if create_pipeline:
             project.files.create(
                 {
@@ -436,16 +412,23 @@ def _make_merge_request(*, source_branch: str, create_pipeline: bool = False):
                 "remove_source_branch": True,
             }
         )
-        result = wait_for_sidekiq(timeout=60)
-        assert result is True, "sidekiq process should have terminated but did not"
+
+        # Pause to let GL catch up (happens on hosted too, sometimes takes a while for server to be ready to merge)
+        time.sleep(5)
 
         mr_iid = mr.iid
         for _ in range(60):
             mr = project.mergerequests.get(mr_iid)
-            if mr.merge_status != "checking":
+            if (
+                mr.detailed_merge_status == "checking"
+                or mr.detailed_merge_status == "unchecked"
+            ):
+                time.sleep(0.5)
+            else:
                 break
-            time.sleep(0.5)
-        assert mr.merge_status != "checking"
+
+        assert mr.detailed_merge_status != "checking"
+        assert mr.detailed_merge_status != "unchecked"
 
         to_delete.extend([mr, mr_branch])
         return mr
@@ -523,14 +506,13 @@ def user(gl):
     email = f"user{_id}@email.com"
     username = f"user{_id}"
     name = f"User {_id}"
-    password = "fakepassword"
+    password = "E4596f8be406Bc3a14a4ccdb1df80587"
 
     user = gl.users.create(email=email, username=username, name=name, password=password)
 
     yield user
 
-    # Use `hard_delete=True` or a 'Ghost User' may be created.
-    helpers.safe_delete(user, hard_delete=True)
+    helpers.safe_delete(user)
 
 
 @pytest.fixture(scope="module")
@@ -599,7 +581,7 @@ def deploy_token(project):
     data = {
         "name": f"token-{_id}",
         "username": "root",
-        "expires_at": "2021-09-09",
+        "expires_at": datetime.date.today().isoformat(),
         "scopes": "read_registry",
     }
 
@@ -613,7 +595,7 @@ def group_deploy_token(group):
     data = {
         "name": f"group-token-{_id}",
         "username": "root",
-        "expires_at": "2021-09-09",
+        "expires_at": datetime.date.today().isoformat(),
         "scopes": "read_registry",
     }
 
diff --git a/tests/functional/fixtures/.env b/tests/functional/fixtures/.env
index 449bc84a1..05d90fa61 100644
--- a/tests/functional/fixtures/.env
+++ b/tests/functional/fixtures/.env
@@ -1,2 +1,2 @@
 GITLAB_IMAGE=gitlab/gitlab-ee
-GITLAB_TAG=15.4.0-ee.0
+GITLAB_TAG=16.10.1-ee.0
diff --git a/tests/functional/fixtures/set_token.rb b/tests/functional/fixtures/set_token.rb
index 503588b9c..26d4c0a2a 100644
--- a/tests/functional/fixtures/set_token.rb
+++ b/tests/functional/fixtures/set_token.rb
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 user = User.find_by_username('root')
 
-token = user.personal_access_tokens.first_or_create(scopes: [:api, :sudo], name: 'default');
+token = user.personal_access_tokens.first_or_create(scopes: ['api', 'sudo'], name: 'default', expires_at: 365.days.from_now);
 token.set_token('python-gitlab-token');
 token.save!
 
diff --git a/tests/functional/helpers.py b/tests/functional/helpers.py
index 2b95f3abf..a898aa947 100644
--- a/tests/functional/helpers.py
+++ b/tests/functional/helpers.py
@@ -26,11 +26,7 @@ def get_gitlab_plan(gl: gitlab.Gitlab) -> Optional[str]:
     return license["plan"]
 
 
-def safe_delete(
-    object: gitlab.base.RESTObject,
-    *,
-    hard_delete: bool = False,
-) -> None:
+def safe_delete(object: gitlab.base.RESTObject) -> None:
     """Ensure the object specified can not be retrieved. If object still exists after
     timeout period, fail the test"""
     manager = object.manager
@@ -43,12 +39,32 @@ def safe_delete(
         if index:
             logging.info(f"Attempt {index + 1} to delete {object!r}.")
         try:
-            if hard_delete:
+            if isinstance(object, gitlab.v4.objects.User):
+                # You can't use this option if the selected user is the sole owner of any groups
+                # Use `hard_delete=True` or a 'Ghost User' may be created.
+                # https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/api/users.html#user-deletion
                 object.delete(hard_delete=True)
+                if index > 1:
+                    # If User is the sole owner of any group it won't be deleted,
+                    # which combined with parents group never immediately deleting in GL 16
+                    # we shouldn't cause test to fail if it still exists
+                    return
+            elif isinstance(object, gitlab.v4.objects.Project):
+                # Immediately delete rather than waiting for at least 1day
+                # https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/api/projects.html#delete-project
+                object.delete(permanently_remove=True)
+                pass
             else:
+                # We only attempt to delete parent groups to prevent dangling sub-groups
+                # However parent groups can only be deleted on a delay in Gl 16
+                # https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/api/groups.html#remove-group
                 object.delete()
         except gitlab.exceptions.GitlabDeleteError:
-            logging.info(f"{object!r} already deleted.")
+            logging.info(f"{object!r} already deleted or scheduled for deletion.")
+            if isinstance(object, gitlab.v4.objects.Group):
+                # Parent groups can never be immediately deleted in GL 16,
+                # so don't cause test to fail if it still exists
+                return
             pass
 
         time.sleep(SLEEP_INTERVAL)