By Amit Acco – Partner |
Applicants seeking apostille services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem are experiencing significant delays.
Due to staffing shortages, the Ministry has limited public service days to Mondays and Tuesdays, from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. This reduction has resulted in extensive queues, with individuals waiting for hours under the sun to authenticate essential documents. These documents include birth certificates, marriage licenses, and academic records, which are often required for international processes such as immigration, employment, and education.
Previously, apostille services were available at multiple locations across Israel, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva. However, the centralization of services in Jerusalem and the subsequent reduction in service days have exacerbated the situation. The Ministry attributes these changes to workforce constraints and the redeployment of staff due to national emergencies. In response to the growing demand, the Ministry has temporarily allowed walk-in services without prior appointments and is in the process of training additional personnel to expand service capacity.
These delays have significant implications for Israelis involved in immigration processes world wide. Timely authentication of documents is crucial for meeting application deadlines and ensuring compliance with international requirements.
Kan-Tor & Acco recognizes the challenges posed by these service disruptions. We offer comprehensive legal assistance in the legalization and apostille of documents from Israel, ensuring that our clients’ documentation meets the necessary standards for international use. Our firm is committed to facilitating efficient and reliable services to navigate the complexities of immigration and employment documentation.
