IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Israel has terminated its 30-day Short Employment Authorization program and replaced it with a 45-day SEA on a trial basis.

What does the change mean? The SEA allows foreign nationals from visa-waived countries to work in Israel for up to 45 days in a calendar year. The requirements are similar to the previous SEA, except that now employers must submit a signed affidavit.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Short Employment Authorization (SEA) permits.
  • Who is affected: Employers sending foreign nationals to Israel for short-term work.
  • Impact on processing times: Six to 10 business days.
  • Business impact: The SEA now permits a longer duration for foreign employees needing to work in Israel for up to 45 days per year. A separate application must be submitted prior to each entry, as well as when travel dates are changed.
  • Next steps: BAL can assist in applying for SEA permits and preparing the employer’s affidavit.

Background: Following recent changes to the SEA program, the Ministry of Interior announced Monday that it has published temporary regulations that replace the 30-day permits with 45-day permits. The regulations are valid until the end of July 2016.

BAL Analysis: The 45-day validity period will provide more flexibility. Employers are reminded that SEA permits are available only to foreign nationals who are visa-waived and that a separate application must be submitted before each entry as well as when requesting a change in travel dates.

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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