In 2022, Israel received 75 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status), 190% more than in 2021. This figure comprises 90% under the Law of Return and 10% family members (including accompanying family). An additional 68 000 permits were issued to temporary and seasonal labour migrants.
Russia, Ukraine and the United States were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2022. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Russia registered the strongest increase (38 000) and France the largest decrease (‑1 400) in flows to Israel compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 74%, to reach around 6 800. The majority of applicants came from Russia (1900), India (800) and Belarus (700). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of Russia (900) and the largest decrease nationals of Philippines (‑21). Of the 6 850 decisions taken in 2023, 0.4% were positive.
Emigration of Israeli citizens to OECD countries increased by 8% in 2022, to 9 800. Approximately 39% of this group migrated to the United States, 16% to Germany and 9% to Canada.
2022 saw a spike in permanent migration under the Law of Return due largely to Russian citizens and, to a lesser extent, Ukrainian citizens arriving. While the Israeli Government took measures in 2022 to facilitate migration from Ukraine of persons eligible for the Law of Return, most of the incoming migrants were Russians. 2023 saw the flow of Ukrainians drop by 86% and the inflow of Russians decline by 26%. The total still largely exceeds the average inflow during the previous decade.
The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption in 2022 focused mostly on integration of Ukrainian, Russian and Ethiopian immigrants. The budget increased in 2023 following record expenditures in 2022 related to the unanticipated inflows. In July 2023, a Government Decision extended the policy for integration of Israeli citizens of Ethiopian origin and budgeted NIS 10 million (EUR 2.5 million). The initiatives focus on education, higher grade military service, employment, and other measures such as anti-discrimination, cultural awareness and trust-building.
All COVID‑19 restrictions on foreign workers entering Israel were lifted in May 2023. In the face of growing demand for temporary foreign workers, the sectors of employment expanded. Nursing homes, hotels and technology industries received their first quotas in 2022 and expanded in 2023. Quotas for construction were increased from 22 000 to 30 000 in 2023 and for agriculture from 31 200 to 40 200. No future reduction of quotas was announced. Other quotas were created in 2023 for infrastructure projects.
Israel has a programme for agricultural students from developing countries. In 2020, the quota for these students – who are employed in practical training for 11 months in agricultural activities – was separated from the total agricultural worker quota. Trainees earn at least minimum wage.
In July 2023, the High Court cancelled the legislation imposing automatic deductions of foreign workers’ departure withholding for those who do not leave at visa expiration. The Court gave the government six months to amend the legislation such that the deduction mechanism is proportionate to the right to property.
The quota for Palestinian daily cross-border workers was raised to 143 680 in June 2023, its highest level ever, although the number of permit-holders was lower, about 106 000. From January 2023, employers must pay salaries to Palestinian cross-border workers directly to their bank accounts.
Following Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023, the government suspended admission of most Palestinian cross-border workers and made a number of changes to the rules for temporary foreign workers, extending permit validity, allowing increased flexibility in employer changes and authorising recruitment outside of bilateral labour agreements.
In 2022, the government adopted a multi-year implementation plan of the national plan for the fight against human trafficking 2022‑26, included in the state budget for 2023‑24.
In January 2024, the government extended the non-refoulement policy concerning Ukrainians not eligible for the Law of Return in Israel, through the end of 2024, including non-enforcement of the prohibition concerning employment of foreigners without work permits, as it pertains to the above Ukrainians.
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