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12 Oct. 2022

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Israel: rules of entry and residence. What does a Ukrainian need to know?

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Israel: rules of entry and residence. What does a Ukrainian need to know?

Issuing a policy Green card for traveling abroad by car
Issuing a policy Green card for traveling abroad by car
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Against the background of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, many countries of the world are simplifying the conditions of entry for Ukrainians, and Israel is no exception. We have collected information about the rules of moving to the State of Israel and how to apply for protection in this article.

Rules of entry

Israel actively promotes the relocation of people who have the right to obtain citizenship of the country according to the Law of the Republic of Moldova "On Return". Every Jew can return, regardless of his country of residence. This category of citizens must contact the consular service of Israel and the state agency "NATIV" to obtain a special visa.

Citizens who do not have the right to repatriate are perceived by Israel exclusively as tourists. Currently, it is also impossible to obtain refugee status in the state. The Israeli government argues that Ukrainians do not come to the country from Ukraine, but through a third country, and therefore do not fall into the category of refugees.

However, there are still some relaxations for Ukrainians. From 04.07.2022, citizens of Ukraine and persons who invite them no longer need to issue a preliminary electronic permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Israel to enter the country.

To travel, you only need a valid foreign passport (not necessarily biometric), as well as a package of documents that will confirm the purpose of the trip. A tourist must provide a return ticket, confirmation of a hotel reservation or purchase of a package of tourist services, enough money for the entire period of your stay in the country, and medical insurance. Ukrainians who go to Israel to visit friends, relatives or for treatment must provide a personal invitation with personal and contact information of the host party or hospital, as well as a return ticket and funds.

We draw your attention to the fact that the decision regarding your admission to the country is made exclusively by the representative of the border service of the State of Israel.

The Government of the country has allowed all Ukrainians who are currently in Israel without a visa to stay for three months, with the possibility of extending the period if the situation in Ukraine does not stabilize. Currently, visas are automatically extended until October 30, 2022, further updates are published on the website of the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel.

Israel also issues entry permits to family members of Ukrainians with work visas.

If you need to change your status of stay (i.e. not stay in the country as a tourist), contact the Population and Immigration Authority of Israel. Also, if there are any questions regarding the preparation of documents, we advise you to consult with Israeli lawyers, most of whom currently provide assistance to Ukrainians free of charge.

Ukrainians are exempted from mandatory testing for Covid-19 72 hours before departure to Israel. However, the passenger must be tested at the airport upon arrival.

If you are traveling with a pet, it must have an ISO chip (#11784 and #11785) implanted (under the skin).

Help centers

For people who have the right to acquire Israeli citizenship, in accordance with the DI Law "On Return" there is an "Absorption Basket" support program, which provides financial assistance, as well as social support and other types of benefits: Hebrew learning (language courses), assistance with housing, assistance with employment, assistance to entrepreneurs in opening a business, a subsidy for studying at a higher educational institution.

The remaining guests of the country usually arrive with relatives or friends who provide them with support. However, you can also count on help:

    • Assistance Center at the Ministry of Social Security of Israel - food kit, food card, humanitarian aid, etc.

    • from the RAZOM Israel helps Ukraine platform, which is supported by the Embassy. As part of the program, issues of temporary accommodation, humanitarian aid - food or medicine, legal advice and other types of support are resolved. If you need help - visit the site, fill out the form, indicate what you need and a volunteer will contact you to resolve the issues.

Medical services

A year of free medical insurance in Israel is provided for people who are eligible for Israeli citizenship, according to the DI Law of Return.

The rest of the refugees from Ukraine can count on free medical services from the Ministry of Social Security, under the following conditions:

    • staying in the country as a tourist;

    • arrival in Israel after February 24, 2022;

    • insurance according to your age group.

More detailed information at the link.

Also, the Ministry actively supports Ukrainians with disabilities, the elderly, children and those who are in a difficult situation and all those who are in danger.

However, we would like to remind you that if you are planning a trip abroad, you should take care of the insurance policy - because it is the guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine. In order not to have trouble abroad and to be calm for yourself and your loved ones, Visit Ukraine recommends taking out medical insurance in advance.

Where to look for work?

All Ukrainians who stayed in Israel until February 24, 2022, as well as those who arrived after the start of the war, have a work permit. For employment, you only need to have a passport of a citizen of Ukraine. We also advise you to sign an employment contract with your employer. More details at the link.

You can search for a job on the following websites: jobs-israel.com, careerjet.com or other resources on the Internet.

Education

Israeli law provides that all children have the right to attend school, regardless of their legal or migration status. Enrollment and placement of children in schools is carried out through local municipalities in the city where you live.

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