By Amit Acco, Partner |
In 2023, a total of about 3.78 million residence permits were issued, with about 90% of them (3.4 million) being tourist permits. This represents a very moderate increase in the number of tourist permits issued compared to 2022 (when about 3 million permits were issued), but still fewer than in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic, when almost 5 million tourist permits were issued.
According to the data provided, in 2023, approximately 375,000 new and extended permits were issued. This represents an 18% increase in the number of permits issued (new and extended) compared to 2022, when about 318,000 permits were issued.
One of the most common permits is a work visa B-1, granted both to foreign workers employed in specific sectors determined by the government and to foreigners allowed to work in Israel in general. During 2023, there was a significant increase in the number of work permits issued – both in the issuance of new permits (81.7 thousand permits in 2023 compared to 72.1 thousand permits in 2022) and in the issuance of extensions (141.7 thousand extensions in 2023 compared to 81.3 thousand extensions in 2022).
During 2023, about 58% of the permits issued were extensions, compared to 48% in 2022. The increase in the volume and proportion of permit extensions can be attributed to extensive extensions granted during the “Passport Marathon” operation to maximize manpower for the operation, as well as due to the outbreak of the “Iron Swords” conflict.
In 2023, there was a 10% decrease compared to 2022 in the issuance of type 2(A)(5) which are given to individuals in Israel without a residence permit and are subject to deportation under section 2(A)(5). A 12% decrease was recorded in 2023 in the issuance of permits to foreign students and foreign Yeshiva students. A larger decrease (38%) was observed in the issuance of permits to foreign volunteers, although here the absolute numbers are relatively small.
In contrast, increases were recorded in the issuance of permits to diplomats (about 5%), foreign officials (about 6%), foreign religious personnel (about 14%), and accompanying relatives of foreign religious personnel or foreign students and yeshiva students (about 15%).
KTA Analysis
The analysis of residence permit issuance in Israel during the year 2023 reveals a nuanced picture of the country’s immigration landscape, influenced by a myriad of economic, social, and policy factors. These trends not only shed light on the dynamics of migration but also offer valuable insights into broader societal and economic dynamics within Israel.
One of the most notable findings is the persistent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international travel. Despite a moderate increase in tourist permit issuance compared to the previous year, the numbers remain significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels observed in 2019. This underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the tourism sector and the broader implications for Israel’s economy, which relies on tourism revenue to some extent.
In contrast, there has been a remarkable surge in the issuance of work permits in 2023, indicating a growing demand for foreign labor within the Israeli economy. This trend may be attributed to various factors such as labor shortages in certain industries, economic growth, or changes in immigration policies aimed at attracting skilled workers. However, it also raises questions about the long-term implications for the local workforce and the need to strike a balance between supporting economic growth, security and geopolitical situation and ensuring opportunities for domestic workers.
Furthermore, the dominance of permit extensions, particularly attributed to the “Passport Marathon” operation by the Ministry, underscores the strategic approach to workforce management amidst uncertain global conditions. By prioritizing the retention of existing foreign workers and residents, Israel aims to mitigate disruptions caused by turnover and maintain stability in key sectors of the economy. However, it also highlights the importance of addressing underlying issues such as labor rights, integration, and social cohesion.
Despite these positive trends, challenges remain, particularly in attracting and retaining foreign volunteers. The significant decrease in permits issued to foreign volunteers suggests potential hurdles in recruiting volunteer workers from abroad, which could have implications for various sectors reliant on volunteer assistance, such as humanitarian organizations and community initiatives.
Moreover, the decline in permits subject to expulsion and the increase in permits issued to diplomats, foreign officials, religious personnel, and accompanying relatives highlight the diverse nature of migration patterns in Israel. As the country continues to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and engage with the international community, accommodating different categories of migrants becomes increasingly important for maintaining diplomatic relations and fostering cultural exchange.
KTA full analysis of residence permit issuance in Israel in 2023 offers valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of immigration dynamics and their implications for society and the economy. Moving forward, policymakers must remain vigilant in monitoring these trends, adapting immigration policies to meet evolving labor market needs, and ensuring inclusive and sustainable migration practices that benefit both migrants and the host society.
