IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Israeli government has announced that it will simplify travel rules for U.S. citizens who hold Palestinian identification cards.

Key Points:

  • Beginning in mid-July, U.S. citizens of Palestinian origin, including those holding Palestinian identification cards, will be able to enter Israel for tourism and business purposes under the same conditions as other U.S citizens.
  • Historically, U.S. citizens who hold Palestinian identification cards were required to enter and exit Israel from the West Bank.
  • U.S. citizens who are currently residents of the West Bank will also be allowed to travel through Israel’s Ramon and Ben Gurion airports.

BAL Analysis: The Israeli government will simplify travel rules for U.S. citizens of Palestinian origin and for those who hold Palestinian identification cards so that Israel can be admitted to the U.S. visa exemption program. Israel is expected to be admitted to the program later this year.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Israeli Airport Authority announced that flights are suspended at Ben Gurion International Airport due to an ongoing strike.

Key Points:

  • The strike is set to continue in Israel until further notice; it is unknown when operations will resume at Ben Gurion International Airport.
  • Individuals with travel plans departing from the airport should expect delays and may need to arrange alternative plans for the duration of the strike.
  • Employers may need to adjust their timelines if their employees are among those affected by the flight suspension.

BAL Analysis: Flights were suspended at the airport in response to a strike against the government’s intended judicial reform. Individuals with travel plans scheduled for this week should check with their airline to see if flights have been canceled or changed. BAL will continue following the news in Israel and alert clients to any significant developments.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Israeli government will begin issuing B-1 work visas electronically.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals will now receive their B-1 work visas, including B-1 Expert visas, B-1 Hi-Tech visas, SEA 90-day work visas, STEP 90-day work visas and other work visas, electronically.
  • Foreign workers are still required to have their work visas processed at an Israeli consulate following the approval of the B-1 work permit. Those holding B-1 SEA 90-day work permits are exempt from this requirement.
  • The new process does not cover dependents in need of a B-2 visitor visa; dependents will still be issued a physical passport stamp with a visa.

BAL Analysis: The introduction of the new electronic visas streamlines the visa application process and provides greater convenience for foreign nationals entering Israel for work purposes. Foreign nationals are reminded that they should keep a physical copy of their visa in their passport to avoid possible complications when traveling.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Israeli government recently increased its visa issuance fees for various work permits.

Key Points:

  • As of Jan. 1, the B-1 work permit submission fee increased to 1,300 NIS (about US$378) from 1,210 NIS. Other fee increases include:
    • The B-1 work visa, the multiple entry visa and the multiple entry visa for dependents from 175 NIS to 185 NIS.
    • The B-1 one-year employer fee for the B-1 work visa from 9,590 NIS to 10,340 NIS.
    • The 90-day employer fee for STEP or HIT 90 visas to 6,160 NIS.
    • The B-2 one-year dependent visa fee from 80 NIS to 95 NIS.
  • A list of filing fees for employees, individuals who are self-employed and their family members is available here.

BAL Analysis: Employers should take the new filing fees into account when adjusting their 2023 budgets. Employees and employers should expect longer than normal processing times for work and residence permit applications.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Israeli government recently increased the monthly minimum prevailing wage for foreign national experts.

Key Points:

  • Israel’s monthly minimum prevailing wage for foreign national experts increased by 12% to 23,460 NIS (about US$6,612).
  • Employers needing to obtain or renew work permits for foreign national experts on or after Jan. 1, 2023, must increase the foreign national’s minimum salary to comply with the new rule.
  • Work permit applications that were pending as of Jan. 1, 2023, must be increased to meet the new minimum prevailing wage.
  • Israeli authorities will reject applications that do not meet the new prevailing wage for foreign national experts.

BAL Analysis: Businesses may see a slight increase in labor costs because of the new minimum wage. Employers should take the new wage minimums into account for their 2023 budgets.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Israeli government announced that its consulates will resume issuing work and visitor visas.

Key Points:

  • Israeli consulates resumed normal operations and are issuing work and visitor visas for visa-required nationals after a partial strike came to an end.
  • As a result of the strike ending, the Ministry of Interior will no longer issue entry permits instead of visas.
  • Business visitors from a nonwaivered country must obtain a B-2 visitor visa at an Israeli consulate before traveling to the country.
  • The Ministry of Interior retains the right to issue waivers from consular processing for B-1 work visas.

BAL Analysis: Israeli authorities resumed normal operations. Employers and employees should expect processing delays when applying for work and visitor visas.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Israeli government has automatically extended tourist visas of Ukrainian nationals currently in Israel.

Key Points:

  • Ukrainian nationals currently in Israel on tourist visas have received an automatic visa extension until June 30.
  • Ukrainian nationals who arrived in Israel before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are allowed to work while they are in Israel under the automatic extension.

Additional Information: Travelers are no longer required to take pre-departure COVID-19 tests, post-arrival COVID-19 tests or quarantine upon arrival.

BAL Analysis: Israeli authorities have automatically extended the validity of tourist visas for Ukrainian nationals in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Employers and employees are reminded that actions taken as a result of the invasion of Ukraine may change with little or no notice.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Israel government has lifted its pre-entry COVID-19 testing requirement for all travelers except those who hold B-2 visitor visas.

Key Points:

  • Travelers who hold B-2 visitor visas must have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival or a negative antigen test taken within 24 before arrival to enter Israel
  • Travelers who hold A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, B-1, B-3 and B-4 visas are exempt from the pre-entry COVID-19 testing requirement.
  • More information regarding Israel’s border measures and entry requirements is available here.

BAL Analysis: Entry requirements may change with little or no notice. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Israeli government will close its offices for the upcoming Passover and Mimuna holidays.

Key Points:

  • Israeli government offices will be closed for almost two weeks, from April 14 through April 26 for Passover and Mimuna.
  • Israeli immigration authorities will not process work permits or visa applications during this time.
  • Consular posts around the world will suspend their operations or limit processing; applicants should check with their local Israeli consulate for specific information on holiday operations.

BAL Analysis: Employers and employees should expect delays and submit applications before Passover and Mimuna, if possible. Israeli consular posts abroad will also suspend operations or operate on limited schedules. Overseas applicants should contact their relevant Israeli consulate for specific holiday schedules.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Israeli government has announced a fast track work visa program for eligible Ukrainian nationals.

Key Points:

  • As of March 30, Hi-Tech Israeli companies can obtain a 90-day work visa qualifying individuals who have an employment contract with an Hi-Tech Israeli company. There are two tracks:
    • Eligible under the Law of Return (individuals of Jewish descent). Individuals who are of Jewish descent will receive a 90-day work permit with the possibility of extension. Spouses will be eligible for a work permit at a later stage. This route can lead to full Israel citizenship.
    • Non-eligible under the Law of Return. Ukrainian nationals who are not of Jewish descent will receive a 90-day work permit with the possibility of extension. Spouses will be eligible for a work permit at a later stage.
  • Employees and their families can expect to receive entry clearance within four business days from the application’s submission date.

BAL Analysis: The fast-track program was created to help Ukrainians affected by the invasion. BAL will continue following the immigration and mobility consequences of the invasion and will provide updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.