By Yoav Noy, Partner |
Since the events of October 7th, the landscape of business and national development in Israel has been fundamentally reshaped. Across industries, key projects have either been paused, delayed, or slowed dramatically due to ongoing uncertainty and an acute shortage of skilled foreign workers.
A Post-War Boom: What to Expect
Despite the current situation, we are already seeing signs pointing toward recovery. When the conflict ends, Israel is expected to return to normalcy—possibly accompanied by a wave of renewed economic activity. The demand for rapid development and reconstruction will be immediate and intense, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, construction, water, transportation, and high-tech.
Why Early Preparation Is Critical
This coming wave will not just involve resuming previously halted initiatives, but also launching new, large-scale national projects. These will require a wide array of skilled professionals and technical workers from abroad. Companies that begin preparing now will be best positioned to lead and respond quickly when the market opens.
Building a Smart Global Recruitment Strategy
The first step is to strategically plan for the recruitment of foreign professionals. It is essential to map organizational needs and evaluate where the required expertise can be sourced globally. Countries such as the United States, various parts of Europe, India, the Philippines, and Latin America offer large pools of qualified candidates in engineering, construction management, IT, and healthcare. A clear recruitment strategy, aligned with project timelines and skills requirements, can help avoid future delays.
Understanding Visa Processes and Legal Requirements
Recruiting from abroad, however, is not simply a matter of identifying talent. The legal and regulatory aspects are complex. Employers must understand what types of work visas are available, what conditions are attached to each permit, and how long each approval process takes. Having legal guidance at this early stage helps ensure that future recruitment efforts comply fully with Israeli law and regulatory frameworks.
Budgeting for the True Cost of Foreign Employment
In addition to visa planning, companies must also prepare financially for the true cost of foreign employment. Beyond salaries, these costs include licensing fees, recruitment agency expenses, legal consultation, insurance, housing, transport, and relocation allowances. Early financial planning allows for accurate budgeting and ensures that HR and operational teams are aligned with strategic objectives.
Preparing Infrastructure for Worker Onboarding
Another critical area is the preparation of local infrastructure to receive incoming foreign workers. From booking flights at the right time to securing appropriate housing—especially in areas of high demand—employers need to coordinate a wide range of logistical tasks. Arranging local transportation and offering support services to help foreign employees and their families integrate into life in Israel are also essential for successful onboarding. The more employees involved, the earlier and more robust this logistical preparation must be.
Legal Obligations of Employers in Israel
It is also important to emphasize the legal responsibilities placed on employers. Israeli law requires that employers not only draft employment contracts in accordance with local labor law, but also provide adequate salaries and benefits, ensure legal visa status, and offer appropriate medical insurance. Employers are responsible throughout the entire period of employment and stay, and failure to comply can result in serious legal exposure. Professional legal support is essential to managing these risks.
How Kan-Tor & Acco Supports Employers?
At Kan-Tor & Acco, we offer comprehensive support to companies, public institutions, and private developers seeking to bring foreign experts and skilled workers to Israel. Our team provides strategic advice on building employment models, securing permits and visas, managing communication with government authorities, and working with relocation and logistics partners. We also support the full onboarding process, including handling payroll structures, benefits, and complex or urgent legal issues that may arise.
Let’s Prepare for the Day After
By preparing now—while others may still be waiting—organizations can secure a significant competitive edge. Early action means faster project execution, smoother integration of talent, and stronger compliance when the time to act arrives.
We are here to help you prepare. To schedule a consultation with our team, please contact us today. Together, we can build the foundation for success in the recovery period ahead.
