The Ministry of Interior announced this week that short-term work visa applications (SEA B-1 Work Visas) for B-2 Visitor Visa holders already in Israel will be rejected automatically without refunding government submission fees.

Background
The Ministry is rejecting such applications due to the high volume of SEA B-1 Work Visas applications submitted by foreign nationals while in Israel and to prevent illegal work in Israel.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals should have their sponsor apply for an SEA visa on their behalf while the applicant is abroad.

B-2 visa holders already in Israel who seek to apply for an SEA visa should depart Israel and have their sponsor apply for the visa while they are abroad.

The Ministry is maintaining a processing time of seven business days for SEA B-1 Work Visas.

Fragomen worked closely with Kan-Tor & Acco Law Firm (Israel) to prepare this alert. It 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.

© 2017 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.