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IMPACT – HIGH
The ban on non-Israeli citizens entering Israel has been extended again.
Key Points:
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.
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.
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.
Israel recently announced automatic extensions of B-1 work visas held by foreign experts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Israel’s Ministry of Health has added Japan and South Korea to the list of countries from which travel to Israel is banned.
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.