Due to a large number of Work Permits remaining unused or kept available as reserves by employers, the Work Permit Unit of the Ministry of Interior has clarified that any one-year B-1 Work Permit not activated within 90 days of issuance will be automatically cancelled. B-1 Work Permits are activated by submitting a visa application to the Ministry of Interior.
Further, the Ministry of Interior has also clarified that violations of Work
Permit obligations are a criminal offense under the Foreign Employees Law.
The immigration authorities are increasing their worksite inspections in
an effort to better enforce laws and regulations in the coming months, and it
is likely that any violations found onsite will lead to more severe penalties
against employers of foreign nationals.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Employers holding unused one-year B-1 Work Permits should consult their
immigration provider for advice on how to proceed. In anticipation of likely
inspection by the immigration authorities, employers should also work with
their administrative and human resources departments to ensure proper
immigration authorization is maintained for all foreign nationals.
Fragomen worked closely with Kan-Tor & Acco Law Firm (Israel) to prepare
this alert.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions,
please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at
Fragomen or send an email to emea@fragomen.com.