Policy Update: Employing Ukrainian Citizens in Israel
The Interior Ministry has once again extended its policy of not taking enforcement measures against the employment of Ukrainian citizens who are in Israel because of the war in Ukraine.
According to this policy, enforcement measures will not be taken against the employment of Ukrainian refugees who fulfill all of the following criteria:
- They entered Israel prior to September 30, 2022.
- 90 days have passed since they entered Israel.
- They hold a Ukrainian passport.
However, the ban on the employment of Ukrainian refugees who fulfill the criteria will be enforced in the following cities – Ashdod, Azur, Bat Yam, Bnei Brak, Eilat, Givatayim, Herzliya, Holon, Jerusalem, Kfar Shmaryahu, Kiryat Ono, Netanya, Or Yehuda, Petach Tikva, Ramat Gan, Ramat Hasharon, and Tel Aviv-Jaffa – unless they are employed in the construction, agriculture, institutional nursing, hotel, and restaurant industries.
The Interior Ministry’s policy, as stated here, will be in effect until April 30, 2023.
The B/2 tourist visas of Ukraine citizens who were legally visiting in Israel on the day the war began, or who entered Israel after the war began, were also extended until April 30, 2023.
Employers employing Ukrainian refugees must verify that their workers fulfill all criteria, without exception. Employers also should keep abreast of the Ministry of Interior’s policy in this regard, as updated from time to time.
***
Barnea Jaffa Lande’s Employment Department is at your service if you have any questions in this regard or about other issues pertaining to the employment of non-Israelis.
Galia Shahar is an associate in our firm’s Employment Department.