Immigration workers end strike

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Israeli workers in the Ministry of Interior’s Population, Immigration and Border Authority have ended a strike that temporarily left immigration-related operations suspended.

What does the change mean? Workers who were on strike returned to work, but applicants in need of visas, passports, or other immigration services should prepare for the possibility of delays due to a demand for services that likely built up during the strike.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Visas, work permits and all other immigration-related services.
• Who is affected? Anyone in need of immigration-related services.
• Impact on processing times: Processing delays should be expected.

Background: Population, Immigration and Border Authority workers went on strike Sunday, demanding more staff to handle the workload they were facing. The strike ended Tuesday, with authorities agreeing to increase staffing levels. It was not immediately clear how many new jobs will be added.

BAL Analysis: The end of the strike is welcome news to foreign nationals in need of immigration services. Even though immigration offices have reopened, foreign nationals should expect delays as there will likely be a high demand for services following more than two days of work stoppage.

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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