Document requirements eased for short-term employment authorization

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Israel has eased documentary requirements for foreign nationals applying for short-term employment authorization (SEA) permits that allow work of up to 45 days for visa-waived nationals.

What does the change mean? SEA applicants no longer need to notarize their educational diplomas or certificates, but those that are not in English must be translated into Hebrew.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: SEA 45-day B/1 work visas.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals applying for SEA B/1 visas.
• Business impact: The rule will shorten document preparation time.

Background: SEA B/1 work visas of a 45-day duration were introduced in 2015 and after a successful one-year pilot, became permanent in August. They allow visa-waived foreign nationals to conduct short-term work in Israel not to exceed 45 days per year.

BAL Analysis: The eased document requirements should further expedite overall time frames for SEA work visa applications. Employers and foreign nationals should also note that the Israeli authorities have recently clarified that all productive work, such as installation, inspections, hands-on work, managing others, supervising or consulting or providing active guidance, requires the SEA visa before entry. Visa-required nationals performing work activities must apply for a regular work visa. Individuals performing any productive work activities should not rely on business visas or visa-waived status. To avoid any doubt about appropriate activities, clients should contact their BAL representative.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Israel. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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