The Ministry of Economy and Industry has announced a new allocation of up to 5,000 foreign workers for the commerce and service sectors, in accordance with a decision by the Directors-General Committee on Foreign Workers. The quota includes a dedicated track for new employers alongside an additional allocation for existing employers.
The allocation is intended for businesses in the retail and wholesale trade sectors, automotive repair garages, cleaning services, event halls, infrastructure services, and other sectors covered under the relevant regulations.
In response to the high demand for foreign workers in these sectors, currently estimated at more than 50,000 workers, the Ministry of Economy and Industry has developed a new allocation framework aimed at ensuring a professional, equitable, and efficient distribution of the approved quota. The quota has been divided into two tracks:
Track for existing employers: Approximately 4,000 permits will be allocated to employers who have previously received approval in the sector but have not yet exhausted their full entitlement. These employers are not required to submit an application under the current public call. The Ministry of Economy and Industry has reviewed their remaining eligibility in accordance with the relevant regulations and prepared its recommendations accordingly.
Track for new employers: Up to 1,000 permits will be allocated to employers who have not previously received approval to employ foreign workers in the sector. These employers must submit an application under the published public call by July 15.
Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat said: “The Ministry of Economy and Industry continues to work to ensure the continuity of business activity in the Israeli economy and to address the ongoing labor shortage. This new allocation will enable many businesses to expand their operations, improve services to the public, and strengthen competition across the economy.”