Immigration Law Update – Israel, March 16, 2026

Dear All,

We hope that you are well and keeping safe during these complex times.

We would like to update you on several developments relevant to foreign workers and foreign experts in light of the current security situation.

First, we contacted the Work Permit Unit and the Visa Department. As of now, we have been informed that no new official instructions have been issued regarding automatic extensions of work permits or work visas for foreign experts.

It is important to note that both the Work Permit Unit and the Visa Department are currently operating in a limited capacity. Nevertheless, it is still possible to submit applications for work permits and work visas, and in urgent cases it is also possible to approach the authorities directly. In addition, based on our inquiry with the Visa Department, experts who left Israel due to the security situation and hold a valid visa may submit an application for approval to re-enter Israel, with each case being examined individually according to its specific circumstances.

Regarding automatic visa extensions, the Population and Immigration Authority has announced that certain visas expiring between February 22, 2026 and March 31, 2026 will be automatically extended for three months, without the need to visit the Authority’s offices. According to the announcement, the extension applies to the following visa types:

B/1 – General Work Visa
B/2 – Tourist Visa
B/4 – Volunteer Visa
A/1 – Temporary Resident Visa
A/2 – Student Visa (excluding agricultural trainees)
A/3 – Clergy Visa
A/4 – Accompanying Family Member Visa
A/5 – Temporary Resident Visa

However, as of this stage, no specific instruction has been published confirming that the automatic extension also applies to employment permits for foreign experts, and we will continue to monitor this issue closely.

In addition, the Population and Immigration Authority is currently operating assistance and information channels for foreign workers, including a multilingual support center and online guidance sessions in several languages.

With regard to travel from Israel, the aviation situation remains dynamic and subject to change. According to updates from the Israel Airports Authority, as of March 12, 2026, more than 73,000 people have entered Israel and approximately 52,600 have departed. Between March 5, 2026 and March 11, 2026, 254 flights landed at Ben Gurion Airport carrying approximately 45,661 passengers, while approximately 17,500 passengers departed Israel on flights operated by Israeli airlines. Increased passenger traffic has also been recorded at land border crossings.

In parallel, a special framework for departures from Israel via Ben Gurion Airport is currently in place, allowing a limited number of outgoing flights, with some seats reserved for humanitarian and exceptional cases according to defined criteria. Further details are available at the following link:
https://www.gov.il/he/service/safe-passage

Departure from Israel through land border crossings is also currently possible. However, please note that between March 17, 2026 and March 23, 2026 it will not be possible to exit Israel with a private vehicle through the Jordan River and Yitzhak Rabin border crossings.

In light of the above, we recommend examining each case of travel or entry to Israel individually, according to the specific circumstances, and verifying in advance the status of flights, the availability of border crossings, and the relevant requirements.

We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates should any significant changes occur.