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Severe Delays in Industrial Employees’ Work Visas
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Employers seeking industrial employee work visas—issued for foreign skilled (non-expert) workers in specific industries are currently facing severe delays. The Ministry of Interior has recently transferred processing of these permits to a new unit, a change that was not announced in advance.
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At present, work on these visas has been paused, and implementation in the new department has not yet begun. As a result, applications are temporarily on hold.
Kan-Tor & Acco is actively assisting employers in navigating these delays and working to streamline the process wherever possible, despite the current pause in processing.
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2026: Minimum Prevailing Wage for Foreign Experts Increased in Israel
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Effective January 1, 2026, the minimum monthly prevailing wage for foreign national experts has increased to NIS 27,132 gross per month.
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- Initial and renewal applications. Employers of foreign national experts seeking to obtain or renew a work permit on or after January 1, 2026, must increase the foreign national’s minimum salary to comply with the new rule.
- Pending applications. Employers of foreign national experts with pending work permit applications as of January 1, 2026, must increase the foreign national’s minimum salary to comply with the new rule.
- Immigration applications that do not meet the minimum salary will be rejected.
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Israel: Increase in Government Fees for Working Visa in 2026
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The Ministry of Interior published the list of government fees for 2024 reflecting an increase from 2023.
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Illegal Foreign Workers: Severe Penalties
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The Israeli Population and Immigration Authority, together with law enforcement, has significantly intensified nationwide enforcement against the illegal employment of foreign workers. Inspections are increasing across construction, agriculture, hospitality, and service sectors, with a clear zero-tolerance approach toward permit violations and unauthorized employment.
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Enforcement has moved beyond administrative warnings to severe sanctions, including substantial fines, immediate business closures, and criminal proceedings against company owners and officers. Recent raids, including a high-profile operation in Rishon LeZion and Rehovot, demonstrate that authorities are treating illegal employment as a serious criminal offense.
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Israel Expands Foreign Worker Quotas
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Israel is increasingly relying on foreign workers in the trade and service sectors, with a strong shift toward direct employment by Israeli employers. This model enables faster recruitment of skilled workers, strengthens employer–employee commitment, and reduces turnover. The Ministry of Interior has reinforced this framework by limiting workers’ ability to change employers, except in cases of rights violations, thereby promoting workforce stability.
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In response to a severe labor shortage—exacerbated by the suspension of Palestinian work permits—the government approved a significant quota increase from 12,800 to 25,000 foreign workers, primarily through private recruitment. For the first time, permits were also granted for the cleaning sector. Demand continues to far exceed supply, but despite objections from other ministries, the expansion reflects recognition of the urgent staffing needs facing Israeli businesses.
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Best Regards, Amit Acco, Senior Partner - Israeli Law Kan-Tor & Acco
Global Website
Disclaimer: The content herein is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice. Readers are advised not act upon the contained information without professional advice. No portion of this newsletter may be reproduced without express permission. © Kan-Tor & Acco law firm |
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