IMPACT – HIGH

The Israeli government has instituted a full lockdown of “nonessential” businesses and services as the number of COVID-19 cased continues to climb.

Key Points:

  • The lockdown began Friday, Sept. 25, and will run through Sunday, Oct. 11. This period coincides with the time during which Israel is celebrating the Jewish high holidays.
  • Ben Gurion International Airport will remain open but only for pre-scheduled flights.
  • Inbound travelers must have negative COVID-19 results from a test performed within 72 hours of their flight.
    • Travelers from “green location” countries will not need to self-isolate under entry rules, but will be subject to the lockdown.
    • Travelers from “red location” countries are still required to self-isolate for 14 days.
  • During the lockdown, “nonessential” businesses and services will be closed. Grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants operating exclusively for take-out will be exempt.
  • Officials have not yet said how the lockdown will affect Ministry of Interior operations, including the operations of the ministry’s work permit unit. Offices are currently closed for the high holidays, and operations may be limited when they reopen.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate travel and processing delays during the lockdown, particularly given that it coincides with the holiday period. Deloitte will provide additional information about other COVID-19 measures as it becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Israeli government has announced a three-week nationwide lockdown because of an increase in the COVID-19 infection rate. The quarantine could be extended after Oct. 9 if infections do not fall.

Key Points:

  • The lockdown begins Sept. 18 and will last for three weeks.
  • Ben Gurion International Airport will remain open but only for pre-scheduled flights. All travelers must arrive with valid tickets four hours prior to their departure.
  • All travelers must have negative COVID-19 results from a test performed within 72 hours of their flight.
  • Travelers from “green location” countries will not need to self-isolate under entry rules, but will be subject to the three-week lockdown.
  • Travelers from “red location” countries are still required to self-isolate for 14 days. Afterwards, they will also be subject to the three-week lockdown.
  • During the lockdown, private work places are limited at 50% capacity, public sector services will be limited, people must stay within 500 meters of their home and schools will be closed.
  • New immigrants who were scheduled to arrive to Israel on or after Sept. 18 will be allowed entry.

Background: This is Israel’s second quarantine. The first one started in March and was lifted in early May.

Analysis & Comments: During the lockdown, the Ministry of Interior says all visa applications will either be on hold or slowly processed. Closures for the upcoming holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot could also cause delays. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Israeli Health Ministry has updated its list of “green locations” that are deemed to have low COVID-19 infection rates. Travelers from these countries do not need to quarantine when arriving to Israel.

Key Points:

  • The newly added green countries/territories are: Australia, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Uruguay and the United Arab Emirates.
  • The countries that were previously on the list and remain so are: Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Hong Kong, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Rwanda, Slovenia and the United Kingdom.
  • All passengers entering and exiting Israel are still required to fill out an online Health Declaration Form prior to entering Israel or before boarding a flight out of Israel. The form is available on the Ministry of Health website.
  • Travelers from all other countries, or “red locations,” must still quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in Israel.
  • Upon arrival, travelers from “red locations” will be asked to prove they can comply with isolation requirements at home or in another suitable accommodation. Those who cannot comply with home isolation requirements will have to declare the address of their accommodation for the entire isolation period.
  • Anybody (including Israeli citizens) who wishes to travel to Israel, either from Green or Red Locations, must fill out an online inbound clearance application form, within 24 hours of their travel to Israel. The individual will be cleared or refused to board the flight.
  • Anybody (including Israeli citizens) arriving from any location will need to present an entry clearance. Passengers must print out the clearance and show it to airport officials.
  • Any foreign national entering Israel must present health insurance that specifically covers COVID-19 upon entry.

Background: Israel introduced the Green list in August. The list of green locations will be updated periodically and can be found at the Ministry of Health website.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Israeli government offices will be closed for extended periods for the upcoming holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot.

What does the change mean? Applicants should expect delays in mid- and late-September.

  • Implementation time frame: Sept 18-20 (Rosh Hashanah), Sept 27-Oct 10 (Yom Kippur and Sukkot).
  • Visas/permits affected: All visas, permits and other immigration-related services.
  • Who is affected: Anyone in need of immigration-related services.
  • Impact on processing times: Processing times for all work permits and visas are expected to be delayed in September and October, including in the days and weeks after offices reopen.
  • Business impact: Employers should factor in the holiday closures and ensuing delays when planning business schedules and start dates.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate delays and submit applications before the holidays if possible. Israeli consular posts abroad will also suspend operations or operate on significantly reduced schedules. Overseas applicants should contact their relevant Israeli consulate for specific holiday schedules.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Israel has waived quarantine requirements for travelers from 17 “green locations” that are deemed to have low COVID-19 infection rates.

Key points:

  • The green locations are: Austria, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Rwanda, Slovenia and the United Kingdom. The list will be updated regularly and is available on this Ministry of Heath website.
  • Travelers from all other countries, or “red locations,” must still quarantine for 14 days after arriving in Israel. Citizens or anyone who has visited a red location in the past 14 days are also required to quarantine. They are required to fill out the self-isolation form.
  • Those who are required to quarantine will be asked to show that they can comply with isolation requirements at home or another suitable location. Those who are not isolating at home will have to provide an address where they will be for the entire 14-day period.
  • All foreign nationals, including those from green locations, must fill out an online inbound clearance application form within 24 hours of their departure for Israel. The foreign national will either receive a confirmation to board the flight or a refusal to board the flight.
  • Foreign nationals who are cleared to enter Israel must print out their entry clearance form. The confirmation form must be kept by the travelers so it can be presented to the Israeli border control agent upon entry to Israel, as well as throughout their entire travel to Israel (including the stage past the Israeli Border control) in order to present it to the relevant officials when required.
  • Foreign nationals must also provide evidence of health insurance that specifically covers COVID-19 upon entry to Israel.

Additional Information: The Ministry of Interior has also posted detailed guidance for those departing Israel.

Entry to Israeli airports will be limited to those who have a valid ticket and a clearance form from the Ministry of Health. Airport officials will check temperatures and will deny entry to anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell. Passengers ages 7 years and older must wear a face mask at the airport; those ages 6 and older must wear upon boarding the airplane. Passengers are asked to keep at least two meters apart from anyone with whom they do not live. Passengers are also asked to wash their hands and use hand sanitizers when traveling.

Analysis & Comments: The changes will ease entry requirements for travelers from 17 countries and territories. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. For more information, please see Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Israeli authorities have taken steps to make it easier for some B-1 experts who were working in Israel but are currently abroad to return to the country.

Key points:

  • Employers can now apply for “entry during COVID-19” on behalf of foreign experts returning to Israel provided they have a valid (1) work permit, (2) B-1 work visa and (3) Multiple Entries B-1 work visa.
  • Up until now, authorities have provided special approval for the entry of a limited number of foreign experts who are deemed essential for Israel’s national infrastructure or for their contribution to Israel’s economy. Obtaining this approval will no longer be required for B-1 experts who meet the criteria listed above.
  • Anyone entering Israel must remain in home isolation for 14 days upon arrival. Foreign nationals must show proof of health insurance that covers COVID-19.

Background: Israel has taken a number of steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and most foreign nationals are still barred from entry. Employers can apply for “entry during COVID-19” for qualifying employees at local Ministry of Interior offices.

Analysis & Comments: The change will make it easier for B-1 foreign experts to return to Israel after traveling abroad. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The ban on non-Israeli citizens entering Israel has been extended again.

Key Points:   

  • Most foreign nationals will be barred from entering Israel until at least Sept. 1.
  • Foreign nationals who are permitted to enter will be subject to restrictions and will not be allowed to board flights to Israel without pre-entry approval issued by the Ministry of Interior.
  • Anyone entering Israel must sign a promise to remain in home isolation for 14 days.
  • All foreign nationals must present health insurance that specifically covers COVID-19 upon entry.
  • Any foreign national leaving Israel before the end of the 14-day isolation period must have special permission. Those who leave without such permission may be barred from future entry.

Analysis & Comments: Israel continues to take aggressive steps to limit the spread of COVID-19. While entry rules have eased somewhat, foreign travelers must be sure to follow applicable entry and exit procedures in order to avoid adverse immigration consequences. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Israeli Ministry of Interior has released updated coronavirus instructions for entry to Israel.

Key Points:  

  • Foreign nationals will not be allowed board to flights to Israel without pre-entry approval issued by the Ministry of Interior.
  • People entering Israel must sign a promise to remain in home isolation for 14 days.
  • All foreign nationals must present health insurance that specifically covers COVID-19 upon entry.
  • Any foreign national leaving Israel before the end of the 14-day isolation period must have special permission. Those who leave without such permission may be barred from future entry.

Additionally, foreign nationals holding a one-year B-1 expert visa and their families can now travel to their home country and return to Israel with a pre-approved application for re-entry. The COVID-19 re-entry application must be submitted and approved at the Ministry of Interior prior to departure.

Background: Israel has taken a number of steps to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including closing borders to non-Israeli citizens/permanent residents in March. The government has also recently announced the automatic extensions of B-1 work visas held by foreign experts. This extension is not applicable, however, to B-1 (Jewish) Israeli work visas.

Analysis & Comments: Israel continues to take aggressive steps to limit the spread of COVID-19. While entry rules have eased somewhat, foreign travelers must be sure to follow applicable entry and exit procedures in order to avoid adverse immigration consequences. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Israel recently announced automatic extensions of B-1 work visas held by foreign experts.

Key Points:

  • B-1 Israeli work visas held by foreign experts that expired between March 10 and June 30 will be automatically extended three months from the expiration date.
  • B-1 Israeli work visas held by foreign experts that expired between July 1 and Aug. 31 will be automatically extended for 10 weeks from the expiration date.
  • The automatic B-1 visa extensions apply to all foreign expert work visa sub-categories:
    • Forty-five day Israeli work visa (SEA).
    • Three-month Israeli work visa (STEP).
    • One-year work visa.
    • Hi-Tech 365 visa.
  • The automatic extensions apply unless the Ministry of Interior (MOI) has notified the visa holder otherwise. They also apply unless the MOI has canceled the visa or refused to renew it before the automatic extension.
  • Foreign experts who plan to stay in Israel longer than the automatic visa extension period should apply for a visa extension as soon as possible.

Background: Initially, visas were automatically extended in March until June 30.

Analysis & Comments: The B-1 work visa automatic extension is good news because it provides relief to foreign experts working in Israel. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Israel’s borders are now closed. Additionally, the Ministry of the Interior has automatically extended visas until June 30.

What does the change mean? All foreign nationals who are not Israeli citizens or residents of Israel will not be able to enter the country. Foreign nationals currently in Israel will have their visas automatically extended without having to visit an MOI office.

  • Implementation time frame: Visa extensions: March 12; border closure: immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, and General B-1 work visas.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals planning travel to Israel or currently in Israel on one of the above visa.
  • Business impact: Companies should anticipate significant disruptions to employee mobility and plan accordingly. However, they will not have to extend visas for foreign national employees currently in Israel, saving both time and resources.

Additional information: Israel’s Population Authority has stated that foreign nationals for whom Israel is “the center of their lives,” are exempted from the border entry ban. Further, extraordinary permission to enter may be granted to foreign nationals working in emergency services in the health and energy sectors. B-1 work visas for foreign experts still require submission of an extension application 60 days prior to expiration.

Analysis & Comments: The border closure will significantly disrupt business activity and employee mobility. The automatic visa extension, however, is good news for employers and their foreign national employees, as businesses deal with the uncertainty and challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.