Foreign employees in Israel: legal aspects and working conditions
1. Who are foreign workers in Israel? 🌍
Foreign workers are about 8% of the labor force of Israel. According to of the Central Bureau of Statistics (2024) , the country is officially working ~ 200,000 migrants , and taking into account illegal workers - to 300,000 .
.🔹 Main categories:
| Group | Examples of professions | countries of origin |
|---|---|---|
| highly qualified specialists | IT engineers, doctors, financiers | USA, Europe, Russia, Ukraine |
| Care workers | nurses, nurses, care assistants | Philippines, Nepal, India |
| Construction workers | masons, electricians, handymen | China, Moldova, Ukraine |
| Agricultural workers | Harvest collectors, workers' farms | Thailand, Sri Lanka |
📌 Interesting fact:
✔ 30% of builders in Israel - foreigners.
✔ 60,000+ migrants work in the field of care for the elderly.
2. Popular professions among labor migrants 💼
🔹 1. The field of care and medicine
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Salary: 4,500–6,000 ₪ (+ accommodation with the employer).
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Requirements: experience, basic Hebrew/English.
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of the country: Philippines, Nepal, India.
🔹 2. Construction
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Salary: 6,000–8,000 ₪ (experienced up to 10,000 ₪).
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Requirements: Physical endurance, sometimes special training.
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countries: China, Ukraine, Moldova.
🔹 3. Agriculture
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Salary: 5,000–7,000 ₪ (with accommodation).
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Requirements: Readiness for heavy work.
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countries: Thailand, Sri Lanka.
🔹 4. Its and high technologies
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Salary: 20,000–40,000 ₪.
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Requirements: Higher education, experience.
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countries: Russia, Ukraine, USA, Europe.
3. Legal aspects of employment ⚖️
🔹 Basic laws:
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Law on entry into Israel (1952) - regulates the visa regime.
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Law on the minimum salary (1987) - guarantees 5.880 ₪/month (2024) .
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Law on foreign workers (1991) - protects the rights of migrants.
🔹 Types of working visas:
| Visa type | for whom? | The validity of |
|---|---|---|
| b/1 | qualified specialists | 1–5 years |
| A/5 | Care workers | 1 year (extended) |
| agriculturalvise | Farm workers | 1–2 years |
⚠ Important:
✔ It is forbidden to change the employer without coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs
✔ The employer is obliged to provide medical insurance.
4. Working conditions and life 🏡
🔹 Average salaries (2024):
| Profession | salary (shekels) |
|---|---|
| Builder | 6,000–10,000 ₪ |
| SIGE | 4,500-6,000 ₪ |
| IT specialist | 20,000–40,000 ₪ |
| agricultural worker | 5,000–7,000 ₪ |
🔹 Housing conditions:
✔ Golls often live with the employer.
✔ Builders/farmers - in hostels or rented apartments (4-6 people).
🔹 Social guarantees:
✅ Hospital (after 6 months of work).
✅ Paid leave (10-14 days a year).
✅ Pension deductions (for long -term employees).
5. Problems and challenges ⚠️
🔹 The main difficulties:
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Language barrier (Hebrew/English is required for legal employment).
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restrictions on the change of employer (some visas are tied to a specific employer).
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Operation (unscrupulous employers can delay the salary).
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difficulties with extension of the visa (all conditions are required).
🔹 New rules:
✔ Tight control for working conditions.
✔ Fines for illegal employment are increased.
✔ The extension of visas for qualified specialists is simplified.
🔹 total
Foreign workers play The key role in the Israeli economy, especially in construction, care and it .
✅ legal Employment gives protection of rights.
⚠ Illegal work threatens with deportation and fines.
Council: Before employment study the laws , check the contract and consult with the lawyer!