By Itzik Laniado, Partner |
Since the onset of the October 7 war, the Israeli industry has faced significant challenges in recruiting suitable workers to replace skilled and unskilled employees in factories. In response, the Israeli government has approved the importation of workers from various countries with which Israel does not have bilateral agreements, aiming to ease the recruitment process for different companies. Companies that have not yet applied for or received permits to employ foreign workers can still do so.
What Steps Should Companies Take Now?
Companies with permits to employ foreign workers for israel, valid from January 1, 2024, can recruit workers from the following countries: Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, India, Latvia, the Philippines, Moldova, Sri Lanka, Romania, and Thailand. Employment is restricted to the professions approved for the workers. Employers must recruit suitable workers for the approved positions and bring them to Israel by September 6, 2024.
Industrial companies without permits for foreign workers must submit detailed applications no later than July 14, 2024, and simultaneously begin recruitment efforts.
Implementing the Employment Permit
To implement the permit, employers must declare that they have borne all costs of bringing the foreign worker, ensuring that no brokerage fees were charged to the worker either abroad or in Israel. Non-compliance could result in permit revocation and criminal charges, potentially leading to human trafficking accusations.
Efficient and Legal Recruitment Processes
Relo 360 Ltd., in collaboration with the American company Joblio Inc., facilitates the direct and rapid recruitment of professional workers through an innovative online platform available in multiple languages. This approach eliminates the need for intermediaries and ensures no brokerage fees or costs are charged to the workers, in compliance with the law.
Job seekers abroad can apply directly through the unique online platform, accessible from anywhere via a website or mobile app. They submit their resumes, educational certificates, and other required information for screening and matching with potential Israeli employers who have industry-specific permits.
After optimal matching by the system and company staff, each worker is interviewed by the Israeli employer via a video platform (e.g., Zoom). During the interview, the employer can assess the candidate’s suitability, experience, and willingness to work in Israel, and most importantly, verify that the worker did not pay any brokerage fees. The interview will be recorded and preserved.
Given the need to obtain employment permits, find candidates, interview them, recruit them, coordinate with the Ministry of Interior and foreign consulates, and bring them to Israel by September 6, 2024, it is advisable to start the process immediately.
Steps to Bring Workers to Israel
- Collect Initial Documents and Information from the Worker: Passport, professional certificates, declarations, etc.
- Collect Documents from the Employer: Declarations, etc.
- Submit Work Permit Applications: For each worker at the Ministry of Interior.
- Consular Process: Requires additional documents such as a certificate of good conduct.
- Entry to Israel and Completion of the Process
Additional Considerations
The process stages and document requirements may change dynamically due to the evolving situation. Employers seeking to bring industrial workers in professions C (machine operators) and D (unskilled workers) will need to deposit a bank guarantee of 5,000 NIS per worker and deposit one month’s wages for the foreign worker.
By streamlining the recruitment process and ensuring compliance with legal requirements, Israeli companies can address labor shortages effectively while maintaining ethical standards in foreign worker employment.
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