Visas

There are two main types of visas for the asylum seeker population in Israel: The 2(a)(5) conditional release visa and the A(5) visa.

• • 2(a)(5) Conditional release visa – After submitting your asylum application, you will receive a notification from the Ministry of Interior with the date and time to approach their office in Bnei Brak or Eilat (depending on where you live) to complete the registration process. You will then receive a 2(a)(5) visa, on a separate paper. This visa will be renewed from time to time, until you receive a final decision on your asylum request.

• A/5 Visa: If you are recognized as a refugee or receive humanitarian status, you will be invited to your local Ministry of Interior office to receive an A/5 visa in the form of a temporary Israeli identity card
  • A/5 visa for humanitarian status is valid for one year, then must be renewed for one year at the local Ministry of Interior office, before it expires. Any gaps with visa renewals could harm your entitlements under the National Insurance Institute of Israel (Bituah Leumi).
  • A/5 visa for recognized refugees is valid for one year, then renewed for two years, and thereafter for three years and must be renewed before it expires (see below). Any gaps with visa renewals could harm your entitlements under the National Insurance Institute of Israel (Bituah Leumi).

• B/1 visa is a work visa provided for some asylum seekers who are nationals of certain countries who receive temporary protection status in Israel (such as: DRC, limited group of Eritreans). The visa is valid for 6 months, then renewed for additional 6 months. The B1 visa is not issued today for new asylum-seekers.

Your visa should say the office where it was first issued. You should renew your visa in the same office unless otherwise specified. If you move, you must inform immigration of your change of address by sending an email to: [email protected] and, if you have an A5 visa, you must renew your visa in the immigration office in the area of your residence.

It is important to make sure your visa is valid. This visa is your legal permit to stay and live in Israel. Without it, you can risk immigration detention. Additionally, this visa acts as a de facto work permit even though it is not officially stated as such.

2(a)(5) Conditional release visas are renewed in one of two Ministry of Interior offices:

• • Bnei Brak – Mivtzah Kadesh 64

• • Eilat – Hamotzar 4

A/5 visas are renewed in your local Ministry of Interior office. You should approach the office three months prior to the expiration of your visa and request a renewal.

If your visa was lost/stolen, you must:

Step 1: Report it to the police station.
Step 2: Visit your local immigration branch for an application for a new visa.
Step 3: With the application, pay 270NIS at the postal office.
Step 4: Bring your receipt to where you normally renew your visa–you will be given a new visa.

If your employer is having difficulty understanding your visa and wondering if they can legally employ you, first try to explain your status as an asylum seeker and let them know your visa acts as a de facto work permit.

If you still face challenges, visit Kav La’Oved during reception hours for additional support.

Asylum-seekers with 2(A)(5) Conditional Release Visa are not allowed to travel abroad and return to Israel.

Recognized refugees or individuals granted humanitarian status (A5 Visa) can request an Israeli travel document and a re-entry visa through the Ministry of Interior.

Contact the Assisted Voluntary Return Department (this is the section that handles travel documents for asylum-seekers, even if the travel document is not intended for voluntary return to your country of origin):

Address: 64 Mivtza Kadesh Street , Bnei Brak

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 074-7084906, 074-7084907, 074-7084908