Entry and Stay

From the onset of the war in Ukraine, the Government has announced that all Ukrainians living in Israel, including those who arrived before the war, are protected from expulsion or deportation — a policy that is being reviewed and renewed by the interior minister, as long as the situation in Ukraine remains unchanged. It was announced by the Israeli Authority that Ukrainians do not need to apply for asylum to be able to remain in Israel under this new policy due to the general war situation. However, those who have an individual claim and wish to apply may use the online application form on the website of the Population and Immigration Authority.  The government’s initial decision can be found here and further decisions can be accessed here (Hebrew).

B2 tourist visa of Ukrainian refugees in Israel will be valid until 31 December  2025, according to the most recent policy announcement from Population, Immigration and Border Authority which can be found here.

Where can I access health services?

New regulations for the National Health Insurance Law came into force on July 1, 2024.

Under these regulations, foreigners who are not subject to deportation (specifically from Sudan, Eritrea and Ukraine) can obtain paid health insurance through the Leumit Health Fund as follows:

Ages 0 to 18 – at a cost of NIS 140 per month;

Age 60 and older – at a cost of NIS 320 per month;

Persons aged 18 to 60 are not covered by this regulation since they are entitled to health insurance through their employer.

Does the new Government policy allow Ukrainians to legally work while they remain in Israel?

Usually, a B2tourist visa does not grant employment rights in Israel. However, the Government has adopted a policy of non-enforcement in relation to employment.  This means that Israeli employers can employ Ukrainian refugees provided that they hold a valid Ukrainian passport and have been in Israel for longer than 90 days.  The relevant PIBA announcement is here.

Will asylum seeker children be able to attend school in Israel?

Israeli law provides that all children are entitled to attend school, regardless of their legal or migration status. Enrolment and placement of children in schools is done through local Municipalities in the town or city where you live.

Does the policy allow for reunification of family members left behind in Ukraine or in neighboring countries?

The policy announced by the Government does not include the right for family reunification in Israel. However, Israeli citizens can invite their relatives to Israel. The printed, completed and signed request for entry visa to Israel visa form must be submitted in person to the Ministry of Interior population office closest to the place of residence indicated on the ID card of the citizen who applies.

Is UNHCR able to resettle Ukrainian asylum-seekers from Israel to other western countries?

UNHCR in Israel has no resettlement quotas or places for Ukrainian refugees in Israel.

Some countries may have dedicated programmes for Ukrainian refugees.  For example, Canada has announced a special measure for people affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Immigration measures for people affected by the situation in Ukraine – Canada.ca  The European Union has a Temporary Protection Directive in place for Ukrainian refugees, meaning that Ukrainians can seek refuge and enjoy basic rights in EU countries.

Warning against “refugee visa” fraud

UNHCR advises all asylum seekers and refugees to exercise extreme caution in responding to offers of refugee visas or other pathways to third countries.  Many of these offers or websites are scams.  Some of these websites or brokers are also claiming affiliation to UNHCR.  UNHCR never charges for any services it provides to refugees, asylum-seekers or other persons of concern to the organization.