Citizens of many countries are seeking to obtain refugee status in Israel in 2021, especially those with an unstable political and economic situation. Many of those who want to leave for sunny Israel are both aimed at finding a profitable job, and those who want to leave places of hostilities, persecution or other conflicts. In addition to favorable climatic conditions, the state is famous for its high standard of living, good conditions for starting a business, and quality education.
Israeli legislation regarding refugees
A refugee in Israel is a person persecuted in his home country because of his political opinions, religious beliefs, membership of a special social group or citizenship. The legislative framework according to which a person is classified as a refugee is:
- UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, signed in Geneva in 1951;
- Protocol to the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, adopted in 1967;
- Protocol to the Convention, adopted in New York, 1975;
- Charter of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
It is important to understand that for economic reasons, emigration to Israel is prohibited, no matter how serious they may be. Due to the increased flow of non-Jewish migrants in recent years, control of those entering, as well as those wishing to obtain refugee status in Israel, has been greatly tightened.
The country's authorities are particularly concerned about the influx of migrants from Egypt and African countries. The new law adopted in Israel regarding refugees allowed the detainment of violators who illegally cross the state border, preventing them from settling in the territory. Illegal immigrants can now be detained for up to 12 months.
Applicants for refugee status in Israel
Those visitors who can prove that they are being persecuted in the country where they have official citizenship can count on obtaining refugee status in Israel for the following reasons:
- Political Views,
- racial discrimination,
- religious beliefs,
- nationality,
- hostilities,
- belonging to informal social groups.
Ukrainians should take into account that since 2021, Israel has assessed the situation in Ukraine as not posing a threat. Therefore, it is extremely difficult for a Ukrainian to obtain refugee status in Israel - all applicants are carefully checked by the Israeli authorities. The goal is to identify impostors not from the ATO zone, who will be immediately deported.
Work visa to Israel
Emigration to Israel is also available to work visa holders. However, this option of obtaining the right to permanent residence can only be used by qualified employees. Moreover, the immigrant must have a qualification or profession unique to Israel. This is due to the fact that before concluding a contract with a foreigner, local legislation obliges employers to submit an application to the Israeli Ministry of Labor and Industry. In this application, the employer must provide evidence confirming the unique qualifications of this specialist.
Even if the employer's application is approved, the immigrant can only count on receiving a visa for up to one year. But after this period has expired, the immigrant can extend the visa. If the employer refuses the services of a specialist, the visa will not be extended.
On the subject of work, it is also worth mentioning business immigration. The legislation of this state does not provide for the issuance of the right to permanent residence on the basis of opening a business. Israel is one of the few countries in which such a circumstance is not considered an argument for issuing citizenship.
Benefits of obtaining refugee status in Israel
Staying in the Promised Land, having previously received refugee status in Israel, is one of the easiest ways of emigration for Russians or other foreigners. There is no need to learn Hebrew, have Jewish roots, or invest in a local business.
The main advantages of this method are that it:
- carried out legally,
- efficient,
- allows you to retain your existing citizenship,
- confidential,
- provides the opportunity for relocation for the entire family.
An officially recognized refugee in Israel will be provided with housing and cash benefits. In addition, there are benefits for refugees in Israel:
- free hospital care,
- free attendance at language courses and advanced training courses,
- free education for children,
- targeted discounts and payments (on furniture, children's items, household appliances).
Another plus is that refugees in Israel can work officially, so there will be no problems with employment either.
Preparation of an application for refugee status
An application for refugee status can be submitted either by the migrant himself or through a lawyer. In the first case, you can act after already arriving at the Israeli airport, when going through customs control.
However, when submitting a formal request, you should not expect that it will be granted. According to the law of the state, a foreigner can be detained right on the spot, placed in a cell, and after the application is rejected, immediately deported back.
Therefore, if you are interested in how to obtain refugee status in Israel for sure, it is recommended to seek the services of a specialist. Proper preparation of all documents and a reasonable approach to the matter will increase your chances.
Collection of necessary documents
An application for refugee status is submitted to a division of the Israeli Ministry of Internal Affairs - the Department of Refugee Affairs (RSD, Refugee Status Determination). In addition, you need to fill out the application form by hand (you can download it, for example, from).
You will also need documents:
- proof of identity - usually a passport or birth certificate;
- photos;
- a certificate from a UN representative stating that the applicant has previously applied to the United Nations for protection and asylum.
The deadline for submitting papers expires 1 year after entering Israel. The sooner you submit your application, the greater your chances of obtaining the desired status. It is important to know that documents can be submitted in the presence of an interpreter.
Preparing for an interview and how to pass it
An interview with a representative of the Israeli authorities for an applicant for refugee status is the most important stage, on which it largely depends on whether his application will be granted. During the conversation, everything said on both sides is recorded in the protocol - both questions and answers. The applicant may come to the interview with a lawyer and an interpreter.
The visitor must be asked:
- about the reasons for running away,
- the reason for coming to Israel,
- about specific concerns,
- about persecution at home.
All family members who are over 14 years old must complete the survey.
The main task of the immigration representative is to find out whether persecution of the applicant or his family members actually took place, to assess the veracity of the information provided, as well as the reality of the threats to their health or lives declared by refugees.
In addition to the interview, the applicant and his family fill out forms, undergo a medical examination and submit fingerprints. The case is then transferred to a special commission to make a final decision. While the application is being processed, migrants are given a temporary visa; You can’t work with her in Israel.
Repatriation is the main method of emigration to Israel
There are several ways to move to Israel for permanent residence. One such method is the “Law of Return.” According to this law, an immigrant must prove that he belongs to the Jewish people. This law was adopted immediately after the declaration of Israeli Independence in 1950.
According to the Law of Return, citizens who have Jewish roots and want to reunite with their people can claim some preferences. Firstly, they are entitled to compensation for the costs of purchasing air tickets. Secondly, immigrants who choose this method can count on financial assistance from the state upon arrival. Thirdly, the state will also provide the opportunity to take a free Hebrew course. Finally, under the Law of Return, immigrants can take retraining courses free of charge.
But in order to take advantage of such preferences, an immigrant must prove that there are relatives in his family tree who are immigrants from Israel. And here certain difficulties may arise. According to the law, Jews on their mother's side must prove that they have not converted to another religion. As a last resort, an immigrant can convert to Judaism. However, you should know that the procedure for accepting Judaism is quite complex and lengthy. A person who wants to immigrate to Israel will have to almost completely reconsider his way of life, give up some habits, and also submit to a variety of prohibitions and taboos.
The repatriation procedure consists of several stages. At the first stage, a person wishing to immigrate to Israel for permanent residence must provide documents proving their belonging to the Jewish people. In addition, a person planning to travel to Israel must fill out all necessary forms and declarations.
After checking the documents, the immigrant will have a conversation with the Consul. In some cases, Consuls conduct on-site interviews. This option is possible if the Israeli Consulate receives a large number of applications for repatriation from one city. You can always find out about upcoming exit interviews on the official website of the Israeli consulate in the country of residence of the potential repatriate.
After passing through the Consulate, the immigrant will receive a stamp in his passport “departure for permanent residence.” Then there is only one small matter left to do: the immigrant needs to obtain a visa and purchase air tickets.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the process of filling out the questionnaire. One of the items in this questionnaire is the question “Your religion.” If the immigrant does not belong to the Jewish faith, he should indicate “not a believer.” This is because answering “Muslim” or “Christian” will mean converting to another religion. Accordingly, the Israeli Consulate will have a compelling reason to refuse immigration for permanent residence.
Required documents for immigration to Israel
Those wishing to travel for permanent residence to Israel under the “Law of Return” must provide the following documents:
- all available passports;
- color photo 3*4 cm;
- a foreign passport that does not expire within 6 months after receiving the visa;
- birth certificate (including parents);
- marriage certificate of parents and grandparents of Jewish parents;
- birth certificate of a Jewish relative;
- military ID;
- employment history;
- educational documents;
- Identity documents for relatives living in Israel.
Why does Israel deny asylum?
The State of Israel has the right to refuse a migrant's application for asylum. The most common reasons:
- lack of trust in the refugee;
- failure to comply with the terms of the international Convention.
Even if the applicant’s story sounds true and the reasons that forced him to leave his home state are convincing, asylum in Israel may still be denied. Reasons such as:
- epidemic,
- hunger,
- natural disaster,
- Civil War
are not sufficient to obtain refugee status. The refusal in this case will be formulated as “no danger to life” in the country from which the refugee arrived.
This means that if a person can avoid a threat to life in his country by moving, for example, to another region, then there is no need to provide him with asylum in Israel.
It should also be noted that asylum will not be granted to visitors from countries deemed hostile to Israel. These are Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan.
Is it possible to appeal a refusal?
If the Israeli authorities refuse to grant asylum to a citizen of another state, he has the right to appeal this decision. To do this, an appeal is filed in the district court. The main thing is to do this within 72 hours after receiving the decision from the immigration service.
The refusal can also be appealed if there has been a significant change in the applicant's situation that allows him to again apply for asylum in Israel. The acceptable period for this procedure is 2 weeks after receiving notification of refusal.
Repatriation
Repatriation to Israel is the easiest and most effective way to obtain a residence permit in Israel.
But there is one significant drawback - only Jews by blood can use it. But this still needs to be proven. To this day, even in Israel itself, disputes arise about who is considered a Jew. An entry made in the documents of another state cannot be considered full-fledged evidence, but other documents are often not available. It was decided to consider as Jews those whose mother is Jewish, and at the same time the person retained the faith of his ancestors and did not convert to another religion.
You must submit documents confirming your Jewish origin:
- Birth certificate, certificates of parents, preferably also grandparents. The more accurate the Jewish ancestry, the better.
- Extracts from synagogue books. For those who regularly attend synagogue, this will not be difficult.
- Family photos. When a Jewish family gathers, it cannot be confused with anyone else.
- Any other documents that you consider important.
There is no point in engaging in forgery or falsification of data - all information undergoes thorough checks. Revealed fraud will forever close the path to Israel. You’ll even have to forget about tourism, let alone a residence permit.
Each applicant for repatriation must undergo an interview. The main question is the motives for the move. There is no need to invent anything and play the role of the most correct Jew. It is enough to tell everything as it is; the desire to show yourself better can turn against you. You need to be especially careful with Zionism; interviews can be conducted by extreme Orthodox.
To obtain a residence permit in Israel, you can contact the Israeli consul in the country where the applicant is currently staying. Another way is to come to Israel by any legal route, for example, on a tourist visa. You can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the spot, the main thing is to prepare the documents in advance.
After all checks, the candidate receives a residence permit for 5 years. This is the time for adaptation and subsequent registration of Israeli citizenship. Minor children of repatriates, unlike their parents, are immediately issued an indefinite residence permit. The only condition for its preservation is to live in Israel. Absence from the country for 7 years automatically deprives you of the right to a residence permit.
Current situation with applying for political asylum in Israel
One reason to seek asylum in Israel may be political persecution. This means not only the migrant’s political beliefs, but also his social activities, religious views, race or nationality.
Migrant flows seeking political asylum in Israel have increased significantly since the 2003 Color Revolution in Georgia and the Maidan in Ukraine in 2021.
Moreover, refugees have adapted to obtaining a work permit and earning good money while their application for asylum was being considered. The review period could take a year or more.
In connection with this situation, the Israeli Ministry adopted a directive to expedite the consideration of applications from Ukrainians and Georgians. Moreover, most often applicants hear a refusal.
If previously it was not typical for Russians to ask for political asylum in Israel (not a single application was received from citizens of the Russian Federation in 2009–2021), then in 2021 the number of applications amounted to 635, in 2021 - up to 1,344, and in 2021 we can expect even higher numbers.
Since there are no directives regarding Russian citizens in Israel yet, even if they receive a refusal, newcomers usually have enough time to earn money before returning to their homeland. Special agencies help Russians try to obtain asylum in Israel, of course, not for free: the service costs 2-3 thousand dollars.
Refugee to Israel of citizens of Ukraine and Russia
Today, a hot topic for discussion is refugee to Israel from Ukraine. The main reason for the resettlement of Ukrainian citizens is the worsening political crisis and military operations in the east of the country. In general, Israel does not accept refugees from all countries, but only from friendly ones. Applications to the Department for recognition of refugee status from hostile countries may not be considered at all. In 2021, there are 9 countries hostile to Israel: Iraq, Iran, Libya, Pakistan, Sudan, Afghanistan, Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.
Over the past few years, the total number of refugees in Israel has increased significantly. Until recently, the bulk of emigrants were considered to be Africans. But after the completion of the wall on the border with Egypt, the flow of African refugees dried up.
But since 2021, when a visa-free regime was introduced with some countries of the former USSR, political asylum in Israel for Ukrainians, as well as for citizens of Russia, Georgia and Belarus, has become a fairly common occurrence. At the same time, Ukrainians explain this by saying that they are fleeing violent mobilization and war, and refugees from Georgia in Israel are fleeing repression against the opposition. Due to such massive migration, the Israeli government is forced to tighten the process of recognizing refugee status, as well as increase the number of refusals.
Briefly about the main thing
Today it is difficult to stay in Israel as a refugee. However, the number of migrants striving for this is not decreasing; there is a particularly large number of visitors from Russia and African countries. Purchasing asylum on the territory of the state has many advantages, including the provision of accommodation and financial assistance, which is why so many foreigners come here.
The Israeli government is taking measures to reduce the migration flow into its country.
