By Amit Acco
Israel’s next Knesset elections are scheduled for October 2026. For most people, Israel elections mean campaigns, debates and coalition talks. For employers who rely on foreign talent, and for the professionals they bring to Israel, an election cycle also has a practical side that is often overlooked.
Much of Israel’s immigration and foreign-worker system rests on government decisions and regulations rather than primary legislation. When the government changes, or operates in a transitional capacity, the pace and direction of immigration policy can change too.
This article explains what is likely to continue as usual during the Israel elections, what may slow down, which immigration issues are on the political agenda, and how to prepare.
The Israel Elections Timeline and the Transitional Government
The 25th Knesset was elected on 1 November 2022, and the next elections are scheduled for October 2026. Once the Knesset dissolves ahead of elections, the sitting government becomes a transitional government. It remains in that role until a new government is sworn in.
The transitional period can last several months. It can last considerably longer if coalition negotiations fail and repeat elections are needed, as happened between 2019 and 2021.
During this period, the Attorney General’s guidelines on transitional governments call for restraint. A transitional government is generally expected to avoid senior appointments and significant new policy. Decisions that are routine, urgent or essential may still go ahead.
What Continues as Usual at the Population and Immigration Authority
The most important message for employers and foreign professionals is to plan, not panic. The day-to-day work of the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) continues through election and transitional periods.
In practice, work permits and visas continue to be issued and renewed, and the expert (B-1) track for foreign professionals, including high-tech specialists, continues to operate. Existing permits and visas remain valid for their stated terms, and ongoing applications continue to be processed under the rules in force.
The Israel elections do not freeze the immigration system. They can, however, affect matters that depend on new government decisions.
What May Slow Down or Change After the Israel Elections
Quotas and Sector Decisions
Quotas for foreign workers in construction, agriculture, caregiving, hotels and industry are set through government decisions. Many recent expansions, including large recruitment drives for construction after October 2023, are temporary and need renewal. Under a transitional government, renewals may be delayed, rolled over in a limited form, or deferred to the next government.
Reforms and Bilateral Agreements
Planned reforms may be postponed. This includes changes to the caregiving or agriculture sectors and new or expanded bilateral recruitment agreements with source countries. Employers should not build hiring plans around reforms that have been announced but not formally approved.
Fees and Regulations
Fees and levies are set by regulation and may be updated from time to time. Check the current rates when budgeting rather than relying on figures from previous years.
Legislation and Policy Direction
New immigration legislation, such as amendments to the Law of Return or the Entry into Israel Law, is very unlikely while the Knesset is dissolved. After a new government forms, ministers and senior officials may change. That includes the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Labor and the leadership of PIBA, and the new appointees may bring a different policy direction. Changes can come quickly once a new coalition sets its priorities.
Immigration on the Political Agenda of the Israel Elections
Several immigration issues feature in public debate, and party platforms differ significantly on them. Without taking any position, the following are the issues employers and foreign professionals should follow.
The Law of Return grandchild clause. Some parties have proposed repealing or limiting the provision that grants eligibility to grandchildren of Jews. Any such change would require legislation. It could affect the relocation of employees whose eligibility rests on Jewish ancestry through a grandparent.
Foreign workers and Palestinian workers. Employment of Palestinian workers in Israel has been largely halted since October 2023. The balance between foreign-worker quotas and Palestinian employment remains a live policy question, especially in construction and agriculture.
Asylum seekers. Policy on asylum seekers, mainly from Eritrea and Sudan, remains contested. In 2020 the High Court of Justice struck down the Deposit Law, which required deductions from asylum seekers’ wages.
Sector reforms. Possible reforms in caregiving and agriculture may return to the agenda under the next government.
Election Day: Rest Day, Pay and Closed Offices
Under the Knesset Elections Law, election day is a statutory paid rest day. Employees who do not work on election day are entitled to their regular pay. Employees required to work, for example in essential services, are entitled to enhanced pay, and employers should confirm the applicable rate before the day.
The rest-day rules are generally understood to apply to employees regardless of nationality. Employers of foreign workers should therefore confirm their obligations in advance rather than assume an exemption.
Government offices, including PIBA, are closed on election day, so appointments and filing deadlines should be planned around the date. It is also good practice to tell foreign staff in advance about the holiday and about any disruptions that may affect travel or attendance.
Practical Checklist for Employers and Foreign Professionals
File early and track expiry dates. Submit renewals and new expert applications well before the Israel elections, ideally in calmer periods. At the same time, monitor when quota decisions and temporary sector expansions expire, so that a delayed government decision does not catch you unprepared.
Keep visas valid and do not rely on unapproved reforms. Make sure employees’ visas and permits do not lapse during a period of possible delays. Plan on the basis of the rules currently in force rather than on reforms that have been announced but not yet approved.
Document workforce needs and budget for delays. Clear documentation helps when applications are reviewed more slowly or more strictly. Allow extra time for processing by the Employment Service, the Ministry of Labor and PIBA.
Prepare for policy shifts and communicate with staff. Expect a new government to revisit quotas, fees and eligibility rules, and stay ready to adjust. Brief foreign employees on election-day arrangements and on any changes that may affect their status.
Plan Ahead with Kan-Tor & Acco
Elections do not stop Israel’s immigration system, but they can slow it down. A new government can also change policy direction suddenly. Employers and foreign professionals who plan ahead, file early and keep their status secure are best placed to manage both delays and sudden changes.
Kan-Tor & Acco advises employers, HR teams and foreign professionals on work permits, expert visas, relocation and status matters. If you would like to review your immigration plans ahead of the 2026 Israel elections, we will be glad to help.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice.
