Step One: Prior Preparation in Your Home Country
The legal absorption process begins even before you board the plane. A deep understanding of the requirements and procedures in your home country will save you time, money, and frustration later on.
- Eligibility and Suitability Check: Ensure you meet the criteria required to obtain a work permit in Israel. Generally, this applies to fields with a shortage of local labor, such as nursing, agriculture, and construction. Check the specific requirements for your profession.
- Who to contact? You can check the criteria on the website of the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority or contact authorized placement agencies in your home country specializing in recruiting foreign workers for Israel.
- When to contact? During the initial stages of your job search and before signing any contract.
- Recognition of Certificates and Qualifications: If you have professional certificates or qualifications, ensure they are recognized in Israel or that a recognition process can be performed. Often, a notarized translation of important documents is required.
- What to prepare? Original certificates, notarized translation (if required), training confirmations.
- Who to contact? Typically, placement companies or the employer will assist with this process. You can also contact the Israeli embassy in your country or your local Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Work Permit (B/1 Visa): This is the official work permit in Israel. In most cases, the potential employer in Israel will act to obtain this permit for you from the Population and Immigration Authority. It is crucial to ensure you receive this permit before leaving your country.
- Who to contact? The employer in Israel is the primary applicant with the Population and Immigration Authority. You will need to submit the required documents.
- What to prepare? A valid passport (at least 6 months beyond the requested visa period), passport photos, birth certificate, a police clearance certificate, and any additional documents requested by the authorities.
- When to contact? After finding an employer and signing an employment contract, and before your arrival in Israel. The process can take several weeks to months.
- Medical Examinations: Comprehensive medical examinations are often required as part of the work permit application process to ensure you are healthy and do not carry infectious diseases. Make sure you undergo these at recognized and authorized clinics.
- Who to contact? Authorized clinics approved by the Israeli embassy or the Population and Immigration Authority.
- What to prepare? ID/passport, referral form for examinations.
- When to contact? After submitting the visa application and before receiving it.
- Signed Employment Contract: Never arrive in Israel without a clear, signed employment contract detailing your employment terms: salary, working hours, vacation days, social benefits, employer’s address, and any other relevant details. Read it carefully and understand every clause. If you do not understand the language, request a reliable translation. This is one of the most critical things that will protect you from exploitation.
- What to prepare? An original contract signed in a language clear to you (and preferably also in English and Hebrew), fully describing the employment terms.
- Who to contact? The contract is signed with the employer or with the placement company handling your employment.
- Health Insurance: Ensure you are covered by health insurance that starts from your arrival day in Israel. Sometimes the employer is responsible for providing this, but it’s important to confirm the details in advance.
- Who to contact? Insurance is usually provided by the employer or a placement company. Make sure you understand what it covers.
- When to contact? Ensure insurance is arranged before boarding the plane.
Integration in Israel: From the Moment You Land
Upon landing in Israel, the actual integration phase begins.
- Arrival at Employer and Registration: Upon arrival, you must go to the employer’s address listed in the contract. The employer is responsible for registering you with the relevant authorities, including the National Insurance Institute.
- Who to contact? The employer or their representative.
- What to prepare? Passport, visa, employment contract.
- When to contact? Immediately upon your arrival in Israel.
- Issuance of Identity Card (Visa): The employer or their representative will accompany you to the Population and Immigration Authority to issue an appropriate stay permit (visa). This visa effectively serves as your identity card in Israel. Ensure it is valid throughout your employment period.
- Who to contact? The employer/placement company will contact the Population and Immigration Authority (Ministry of Interior).
- What to prepare? Passport, employment contract, medical examination approvals.
- When to contact? Usually within a few days of arrival.
- Social Rights: As foreign workers, you are entitled to all social rights granted to an Israeli employee by law, with the exception of certain allowances. This includes:
- Minimum Wage: Ensure you receive at least the minimum wage stipulated by law.
- Pension Contributions: The employer is obligated to contribute to a pension fund or other pension insurance for you.
- Convalescence Pay, Vacation, and Sick Leave: These rights are granted to you by law.
- Severance Pay: In case of termination of employment, you are entitled to severance pay according to your seniority.
- Who to contact? If you have questions or problems regarding rights, you can contact organizations that assist foreign workers (such as “Kav LaOved” – Worker’s Hotline), or legal aid bureaus.
- When to contact? Whenever questions or issues arise regarding your rights.
- Wage Protection: Pay attention to your pay slips and ensure they accurately reflect the agreed working hours and salary. You should receive a detailed pay slip every month.
- What to prepare? Keep all your pay slips. Photograph or scan them.
- Who to contact? If there are discrepancies, contact your employer. If the problem persists, contact assistance organizations.
- Housing: In some cases, the employer provides accommodation for the worker. Ensure the living conditions are adequate and safe.
- Who to contact? If there are housing issues, contact the employer or the placement company.
- Learning the Language: Knowing the Hebrew language will significantly improve your quality of life in Israel and make it easier for you to interact with authorities and people.
Small Details Not to Miss:
- Document Photocopies: Photocopy all your important documents (passport, visa, employment contract, medical examination approvals) and keep them in a safe place, and also save digital copies on your phone or email.
- Emergency and Contact Numbers: Ensure you have the phone number of a reliable contact person in Israel (company representative, assistance organization) as well as your home country’s embassy in Israel. Also, write down the emergency numbers for the Israeli police (100) and Magen David Adom (101).
- Do Not Hand Over Your Passport: Never hand over your passport to your employer or any other party. Your passport is your property and should remain in your possession at all times.
- Awareness of Rights: Know your rights! There are many organizations in Israel that assist foreign workers in understanding their rights and dealing with difficulties. Do not hesitate to contact them if you have questions or problems.
- Receipts and Documentation: Keep documentation of every payment you make (even if it’s to the employer), and every receipt for a major purchase or expense. This can be important in the future.
Danel – An Example of a Company Assisting in the Integration Process
“Danel Sioud” (Danel Nursing Care) is a large and well-known company in Israel that assists foreign job seekers, particularly in the nursing care sector, with a legal and organized integration process. Companies like Danel act as intermediaries between workers and employers, providing essential services:
- Assistance in obtaining work permits and visas: These companies handle most of the bureaucracy with state authorities.
- Personalized accompaniment: They assist workers through all stages of the process, from preparation in the home country to arrival and integration in Israel.
- Matching with employers: These companies help find suitable matches between the needs of the patient (employer) and the worker’s skills and experience.
- Ongoing support: They offer support even after arrival, including language assistance, housing issues, workers’ rights, and more. Danel, as a leading company, emphasizes transparency and ensuring fair employment conditions for workers, providing guidance and advice also in the workers’ native languages. You can learn more about their services on their website: https://danel-sioud.co.il/
In conclusion, coming to Israel as a foreign worker is a great opportunity, but it requires responsibility and a deep understanding of your processes and rights. Be prepared, know your rights, and do not hesitate to seek help from authorized entities. This way, you can ensure a smooth and successful integration in Israel.
