In many cases when immigrants are forced to make ”Aliyah” to Israel without their family members, they face a variety of legal issues and difficulties. In many cases, when a company wants to hire foreign expert, it faces numerous bureaucratic obstacles, which can prolong the process of obtaining work permits, what might put important projects at risk.
In the article below, you will find legal information about the process required when an Israeli or foreign company wishes to employ a foreign expert to work in Israel.
Israel has specific legal requirements for companies wishing to employ foreign experts, which are detailed in the Foreign Workers Law of 1991. This law empowers the “Commissioner,” defined as the head of the Population and Immigration Authority or an authorized office employee through the Permit Department, to grant permits for employing “foreign experts” under specific criteria outlined in the law.
Definition and criteria for foreign Experts
A “foreign expert” is defined as an individual possessing unique expertise that is unavailable within Israel. The work permit department has the exclusive discretion to permit the foreign experts’ employment under certain conditions, considering factors such as Israel’s international obligations, relevant governmental decisions, and the characteristics of the labor market.
Process and regulations
Work permit
Employing a foreign expert in Israel is permissible only after the employer obtains a work permit from the Permit Department, adhering strictly to its conditions. Additionally, the foreign expert must secure a “B1/Expert” entry visa and work permit, specifying the approved profession, according to the Entry to Israel Law of 1952 and its regulations.
Family accompaniment
Generally, a foreign expert whose employment is approved can request to bring immediate family members to Israel during their stay. However, this does not apply to experts employed in non-academic professions with a commitment from the employer to pay at least double the average wage in the market or those coming for a temporary assignment of up to 90 days.
Duration and extensions of work permit
The extension of work permits for foreign workers beyond 63 months from their initial entry into Israel can be approved only in exceptional cases. Any transition from any type of visa to a “B1/Expert” visa during the expert’s stay is generally not approved.
Reporting requirements
Employers with a permit must notify the immigration authority in writing of any significant changes to their application within 7 days of the change.
Conclusion
In the MOI instruction you will find the guidelines for the possibility of obtaining various types of work permits, differing in duration, as well as obtaining work permits for different categories of experts. If you need assistance in obtaining work permits in Israel for your team of foreign experts, we would be happy to help.