Key Points
- Until June 8th, employers in Israel have a new opportunity to apply for work permits and work visas to hire foreign nationals in preferential occupations of the industry sector.
- Applications must be submitted to the Israeli Ministry of Economics no later than June 8, 2021.
- Upon approval, a subsequent application must be sent to the Work Permit Unit which will issue the approved work permit.
- This temporary regulation is limited to foreign national applicants from the United States, most EU countries, Australia, Singapore, and a select few other specified countries.
- There is a 2,000-maximum quota of permits available.
- The list of eligible occupations to hire for is divided into 4 groups.
- Group 1: Industrial, manufacturing, and mechanical engineers.
- Group 2: Occupations including electrical/practical/mechanical/field service engineers and technicians, forklift operators, welders, locksmiths, blacksmiths, and metalworkers.
- Group 3: Occupations including inventory clerks (warehouses), machine operators and furniture carpenters.
- Group 4: Other occupations not specifically listed may also be permitted on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Ministry of Economics.
- This temporary regulation requires employers to pay a prevailing wage that is lower than the prevailing wage required for employees designated as Foreign Experts.
- Group 1: Minimum required wage is to be 17,205 NIS (local currency) per month.
- Groups 2-4: Minimum required wage is to be 13,699 NIS (local currency) per month.
Overview
On June 1, the Israeli Ministry of Interior unveiled a new temporary regulation which allows employers to hire foreign nationals in the industry sector by applying for work permits and work visas in certain designated special occupations. There is a quota of a maximum 2,000 employee permits available and the deadline to submit applications to the Israeli Ministry of Economics is June 8, 2021.
Looking Ahead
Employers should act fast to apply for these permits before the June 8 deadline. An extension past this date is not anticipated as the quota of these permits is expected to be met quickly.
Source: Israeli Ministry of Economy
