Israel clarifies SEA program requirements

IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? Israel’s Ministry of Interior has issued rules clarifying portions of the Short Employment Authorization program.

What does the change mean? Those applying for the 30-day SEA permits will no longer be required to present a valid airplane ticket as part of the application process. The ministry has also clarified that any request to change the dates on a work permit will require a new application, including payment of the 1,200-shekel (about US$315) application fee.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: SEA work permits.
• Who is affected: Employers who need foreign nationals to work in Israel for 30 days or less.
• Impact on processing times: Processing will be slightly easier because it will not require as much time to gather supporting documents.

Background: Israel launched the SEA program in January after the program was temporarily halted in December. The program allows foreign nationals from visa-waived countries to work in Israel for up to 30 days in a 12-month period. A new application is required for each entry.

BAL Analysis: While the waiver of the airline ticket requirement eases the application documentation requirements, the ministry also clarified that any change-of-date request requires a new application. To avoid having to file a subsequent application, applicants should be as precise as possible when listing dates on applications.

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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