IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Israeli government has extended the suspension of international flights to and from Ben Gurion airport until Feb. 21.

Key Points:

  • Travelers who wish to fly to Ben Gurion airport are allowed to apply to do so to the Exemptions Committee. Those who need to travel for the following reasons may be granted approval:
    • To attend the funeral of an immediate relative.
    • To accompany a body to Israel for burial.
    • To obtain urgent medical treatment, including women in their final trimester of pregnancy.
    • To take care of an immediate relative in distress.
    • To engage in activities based on additional compassionate reasons.
    • To take part in legal proceedings.
  • Flights are still allowed for emergencies, cargo transportation and transiting through Israel airspace.
  • The following travelers are allowed to fly from Ben Gurion Airport:
    • Foreign nationals, including foreign workers with B-1 work visas and their dependents holding B-2 visas. Foreign nationals who are permanent Israeli residents are allowed to depart.
    • Israeli citizens who live abroad, though proof of permanent residence abroad must be submitted to the Exemptions Committee.
    • Those whose entry applications to the Exemptions Committee were successful.
    • Professional athletes who wish to participate in official international tournaments.
  • No commercial flights are allowed to depart, except for Israeli private planes with up to nine passengers.

Additional Information: Israel’s land borders with Jordan and Egypt are also closed.

Analysis & Comments: The extension will temporarily make air travel to and from Israel impossible for most travelers, though there are some exceptions. Employers who wish to send employees to or from Israel will have to wait, unless the employees meet the exception conditions. 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government of Israel has extended the suspension of inbound and outbound flights until Feb. 7.

Key Points:

  • The flight suspension had been expected to expire Jan. 31; however, government officials decided to extend the measure.
  • All arriving and departing commercial flights are banned, with some exceptions.
  • Only flights with passengers considered to be traveling for emergency purposes will be allowed to land. Inbound passengers must obtain an exemption clearance. Israeli nationals and residents may apply for one here. Foreign nationals must use this form.
  • All commercial flights departing from Israel will remain canceled.
  • Israel’s borders with Egypt and Jordan are closed as of Jan. 24. An exceptions committee will approve limited entry or exit for individuals with humanitarian reasons.

Additional Information: Government officials will meet this week to decide whether to extend the restrictions.

Analysis & Comments: Employers and employees should factor the current travel restrictions, as well as the possibility of future restrictions, into their travel plans. 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Israel’s government has suspended inbound and outbound flights until Jan. 31 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • Inbound and outbound flights have been banned for both Israeli citizens and foreign nationals, with some exceptions, including for flights necessary for urgent medical evacuation, fighting fires and carrying cargo.
  • Exiting Israel will only be permitted for medical treatment, funerals of a family member and for those involved in legal proceedings.
  • Israeli authorities may approve exceptions for humanitarian or personal situations on a case-by-case basis.
  • During the flight ban, the operating licenses of Israeli airlines are temporarily restricted as are departures of privately owned Israeli aircraft.
  • The flight ban may be extended if necessary.

Analysis & Comments: The ban will temporarily halt all air travel into Israel and most outbound travel. Employers who intend to send employees to Israel or have them leave may wish to consult with Deloitte to discuss their plans. 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Israel’s government has imposed another national lockdown for the two-week period that began Jan. 7.

Key Points:

  • The following restrictions will be in effect during the lockdown:
    • Essential workplaces will be allowed to remain open, but other workplaces will not. Government offices will operate in a limited manner.
    • Trade and leisure facilities will be closed.
    • Travelers arriving from “red location” countries must enter self-isolation in facilities managed by the Israeli government. The list of “red location” countries is available here.
    • The only travelers who are allowed to leave Israel during the lockdown are those who purchased flight tickets before the lockdown start date.
    • Public transportation will operate at 50% capacity.
    • Outdoor social gatherings are limited to 10 people, and indoor gatherings to five.
    • Individuals are restricted to moving only within 1,000 meters of their homes.
    • Pharmacies and supermarkets may operate normally. Restaurants are only allowed to provide home delivery service.

Additional Information: The national lockdown may be extended another two weeks if COVID-19 cases in Israel continue to increase. Israeli citizens returning from abroad must be tested for COVID-19 and enter into mandatory isolation in state-run facilities for at least 10 days when they enter the country.

All travelers arriving from the U.K. must complete a 14-day quarantine in a designated state-sponsored coronavirus hotel. Travelers who have been in Botswana, South Africa, Soto or Zambia in the 14 days before arrival are required to self-isolate for 14 days at a state-run facility as well.

Analysis & Comments: The restrictions make travel to and within Israel difficult at this time. The lockdown also limits the activities that can be conducted in the country. 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Israeli government announced that travelers from high-risk “red” countries can shorten their mandatory quarantine from 12 days to 10 days if they meet certain requirements. To qualify for the shortened quarantine, travelers must register the location of their quarantine with the Ministry of Health database upon their arrival.

Key Points:

  • Travelers must undergo an initial PCR test for COVID-19 as soon as possible after entering self-isolation. Tests must be conducted at a drive-through testing site or designated location for those in quarantine.
  • A second test must be performed nine days after entry to Israel and at least 24 hours after the first PCR test.
  • If both tests are negative, a notification will be sent to the individual informing them they have been cleared to exit quarantine after 10 days.

Analysis & Comments: Israel is slowly easing quarantine restrictions after a second nation-wide lockdown that lasted for months. A shorter quarantine period could help facilitate movement of people within Israel for work and business purposes. 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

Applicants for Israeli work permits will no longer need a “necessity confirmation” from the government of Israel in order to apply for a work permit.

Key Points:

  • The requirement for a “necessity confirmation” will be dropped to expedite work permits to foreign experts. ”Necessity confirmation” is a letter from the employer informing the government why there is an urgent and essential need for the entry of the foreign expert to Israel.
  • Foreign experts who arrive from a “red location” country for seven days or less will still have to meet the requirement.
  • Foreign experts with approved entry who are entering Israel from a “red location” country must self-isolate for 14 days. Those from “green location” countries do not have to self-isolate.
  • Self-isolation health forms need to be sent via email to the Ministry of Health prior to the arrival of the expert to the Israeli border control. Foreign experts from both “red” and “green location” countries need pre-authorization from the Immigration and Population Authority in order to board their flight to Israel.
  • In exceptional cases, a foreign expert from a “red location” country may be given special permission to leave self-isolation after entering Israel for the purpose of carrying out vital and essential work for the Israeli economy. This permission must be granted by the relevant government ministry and is limited to seven days.

Background: The “necessity confirmation” requirement was put in place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to limit infections.

Analysis & Comments: The change in requirements should make obtaining a work permit faster. 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

After weeks of a nationwide lockdown that restricted air travel, the Israeli government has announced it will loosen requirements for flights departing from Israel.

Key Points:

  • Travelers can purchase tickets for departing flights without restrictions.
  • Arriving flights remain restricted to only pre-scheduled flights.
  • All travelers must have negative COVID-19 results from a test performed within 72 hours of their flight.
  • Travelers arriving in Israel from “green location” countries will not need self-isolate but are subject to lockdown restrictions.
  • Travelers from “red location” countries are still required to self-isolate for 14 days. Afterwards, they must follow all lockdown rules.

Background: Up until now, only travelers who had purchased tickets before Sept. 25 had been permitted to take flights out of Israel during the lockdown.

Analysis & Comments: This is the first easing of restrictions since a national lockdown was imposed in September due to rising COVID-19 infections. The Israeli government continues to consider whether it will relax other restrictions. 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

Israel’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) has announced that certain visas will be automatically extended until Nov. 30 because of the ongoing, nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.

  • The following visas will be extended if they have an expiration date of Sept. 24 or after:
    • A-1 visas – temporary residency for eligible individuals under the Law of Return
    • A-2 visas – interns, students, yeshiva students
    • A-3 visas – religious clerks
    • A-4 visas – dependents of A2 and A3 visa holders
    • A-5 visas – temporary residents
    • B-1 visas – general B-1 work
    • B-1 visas – foreign experts
    • B-4 visas – volunteers
  • There is no need for these visa holders to contact the MOI, as the visa extensions are automatic.

Background: Visa expiration dates have been extended previously because of quarantine measures and the closure of consular services. Israel is in the midst of a nationwide lockdown imposed last month after the COVID-19 infection rate began to rise.

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 – 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.