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IMPACT – HIGH
What is the change? The Israeli government has implemented a quarantine for all inbound travel.
What does the change mean? All travelers to Israel are required to enter a 14-day self-quarantine upon arrival. This new requirement applies to both foreign and Israeli nationals. Foreign nationals will need to prove they have sufficient accommodation for the 14-day quarantine while they are in the country. A hotel room will not be accepted, and proof must be presented to the consulate abroad prior to entering Israel.
Additional information: Prior to the new restriction, the Israeli government implemented a 14-day home isolation requirement for travelers from Austria, mainland China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macau, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand. Travelers from those countries were also required to complete this report when traveling to Israel. Israeli nationals and permanent residents who returned to Israel from mainland China were subjected to a home quarantine as well.
Analysis & Comments: The new quarantine policy is Israel’s latest effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Those planning travel to Israel may wish to reconsider their plans. The response to the COVID-19 outbreak 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.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
Israel’s Ministry of Health has added Japan and South Korea to the list of countries from which travel to Israel is banned.
Key Points:
Background: Jurisdictions across the globe have implemented entry bans and other immigration restrictions in order to guard against the spread of coronavirus. Earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel had “closed land crossings, seaports and airports to arrivals from China.” Israeli nationals and permanent residents were permitted to return to Israel from mainland China, but were subjected to home quarantine. Last week, Israel mandated 14 days of home quarantine for anyone traveling to the country from Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand or Singapore, and then imposed a ban on travel from these countries. The recommendation to additionally bar entry to travelers from Japan and South Korea represents a further escalation in Israel’s response to the coronavirus.
Analysis & Comments: Those planning travel between Israel and China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, South Korea or Thailand are urged to reconsider their plans. Employers must be prepared to be flexible with employee schedules and start dates for employees who are affected by travel restrictions. The response to the coronavirus is evolving rapidly, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.
Israel has mandated 14 days of home quarantine for anyone traveling to the country from Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand or Singapore. The change follows even stricter measures that were put in place for travelers from mainland China earlier this month. Israeli authorities continue to warn against nonessential travel to China and other countries in the region, as officials look to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Background: Jurisdictions across the globe are implementing entry bans and other immigration restrictions in order to guard against the spread of coronavirus. Earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel had “closed land crossings, seaports and airports to arrivals from China.” Israeli nationals and permanent residents were permitted to return to the country from mainland China, but were subjected to home quarantine. The addition of new locations came after an increase in the number of coronavirus cases in areas near China.
What is the change? Israeli consulates and embassies have re-opened after a five-day-long strike that began last Wednesday.
What does the change mean? Services will resume as normal and employers should expect delays this week.
Analysis and Comments: While consulates and embassies have resumed service as normal, processing delays should be expected this week as a result of the last week’s work stoppage.
Source: 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. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
What is the change? Israeli consulate and embassies went on strike Wednesday, suspending operations at diplomatic missions around the world.
What does the change mean? No services will be provided during the strike, the duration of which is unknown at this point. The closures will likely delay immigration processing.
Analysis and Comments: Processing delays should be expected as a result of the work stoppage. Updates regarding how long the strikes are expected to last are expected in the coming days.
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. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
What is the change? Israel has clarified requirements for spouses of Hi-Tech (HIT) visa applicants submitting dependant visa applications.
What does the change mean? Spouses must submit B-1 work visa applications simultaneously with the initial HIT visa application. The spouse work visa application must contain an affidavit confirming the spousal relationship, and the affidavit must be signed either: 1) in Israel before an Israeli lawyer, 2) by a designated officer at an Israeli Consulate abroad, or 3) by a local notary and verified with an apostille stamp.
Background: In November 2018, Israeli authorities confirmed that spouses of HIT visa holders were eligible to obtain a B-1 work visa, allowing them to work for any company without meeting prevailing wage requirements. Recently, authorities have clarified that spouse visas should be submitted along with the primary HIT visa application and must include an affidavit proving the spousal relationship. The affidavit must include a declaration from both spouses that they will leave Israel as soon as the primary holder’s visa and visit license expire and that they will not apply for a temporary or permanent stay visa and license in Israel.
Analysis & Comments: The change clarifies requirements for spouses of HIT visa applicants submitting work visa applications and requires them to submit their visa application, along with an affidavit proving their spousal relationship, at the same time their spouse submits a HIT visa application. Eligible spouses should consult their immigration representative for more information.
What is the change? Israeli government offices will be closed for extended periods in the coming weeks as the country observes Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkoth.
What does the change mean? Applicants should expect delays in late September and October.
Analysis and 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.
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. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
What is the change? A 22-day strike that temporarily suspended visa services at Israeli consular posts in China, India and Turkey has ended.
Analysis & Comments: While normal visa services have resumed at Israeli consular posts in China, India and Turkey, processing delays should be expected. Those with urgent visa needs in these countries should contact their immigration provider to determine their best course of action.
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.
What is the change? Israel’s Ministry of Interior has published regulations outlining eligibility requirements and application processes for U.S. nationals seeking B-5 Investor or related visas.
What does the change mean? The regulations will allow investors, senior managers and essential employees to apply for visas to manage investment enterprises in Israel. Visas will also be available to dependent spouses and minor children. Investments must be substantial, must benefit the Israeli economy and must support Israeli jobs growth. Applications will be accepted at any of four Israeli consulates in the U.S.
Additional information: The U.S. and Israel implemented an agreement May 1 to provide investor visas to nationals of each other’s countries. Israel’s Ministry of Interior recently published details about eligibility requirements and the application process.
Petitioners must meet both investment/enterprise and personal eligibility requirements to qualify for the visas. The investment in question must be made by a U.S. investor or a corporation that is at least 50% owned by a U.S. national or a group of U.S. nationals. The investor must be actively investing a substantial amount of capital in a new or existing for-profit Israeli enterprise, and the investment must be expected to contribute to the Israeli economy and provide employment for Israeli nationals. The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen and must be a senior manager or essential employee who will stay in Israel to help direct the enterprise.
The regulation creates the following visa categories: B-5 investor visas, B-51 visas for senior managers or essential skills employees, B-52 visas for dependent spouses and B-53 visas for dependent minor children (under 21 years old).
Applications must include supporting documentation and evidence on the investment, including, in most cases, detailed business plans and the role the visa applicant will play in the investment. Additional documents may be requested after the initial submission. In-person interviews will be conducted at the consulate where the application is submitted. The application will then be sent to the Ministry of Interior in Israel and will be reviewed by The Industrial Cooperation Authority, at the Ministry of Economy and Industry and the Ministry of Finance. An inter-ministerial committee will make a recommendation to the Ministry of Interior, which will make the final decision. Initial visas will be valid for two years, extendable by one-year increments in Israel.
Analysis & Comments: The reciprocal visa program is designed to encourage trade and investment between the U.S. and Israel. The new B-5 Investor Visas provide a new path for U.S. investors, managers or essential employees looking to relocate to Israel.
Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.
What is the reminder? Several upcoming holidays will cause delays in visa and work permit processing. Government offices will be closed March 21 for Purim, April 9 for Election Day, April 19-27 for Passover, May 8 and 9 for Memorial Day and Independence Day, and June 9 and 10 for Shavuot.
Analysis & Comments: Israeli employers and foreign employees should plan ahead for the holiday breaks and suspension of services. Backlogs may develop during this period, resulting in longer processing times following the holidays. Applicants should be aware that Israeli embassies and consulates may observe full or partial holiday periods and should contact their local Israeli mission for individual holiday schedules.
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