IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? A nationwide general strike was averted when the government and a powerful union agreed to terms on pay raises for public sector employees.

What does the change mean? Israeli ministries, embassies, consulates and airports will remain open to the public.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate.
  • Visas/permits affected: All visas, permits and immigration services.
  • Who is affected: Anyone in need of immigration-related services or planning travel to or from Israel.
  • Impact on processing times: A strike would have delayed processing times significantly, but now that the strike has been averted there should be minimal, if any, impact.
  • Business impact: Officials say a strike would have harmed Israel’s business community and broader economy, and that the agreement should help Israel’s economy continue to recover.

Background: Workers had been prepared to strike at 6 a.m. Israeli time Wednesday if no agreement was reached. Airlines had already rescheduled some flights. In the end, however, work continued as it normally would Wednesday after an eleventh-hour deal was struck between the Finance Ministry and the Histadrut labor federation. Though some ancillary issues related to the workers’ contract remain to be sorted out, normal operations are expected to continue in the days and weeks ahead.

BAL Analysis: A strike would have caused significant challenges for those seeking immigration services or traveling to or from Israel. The agreement reached between the government and public sector workers is welcome news.

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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