Foreign Worker Rights in the State of Israel
A foreign worker in Israel is entitled to almost all the rights that an Israeli worker is entitled to.
The legal principle is complete equality – there is no difference in rights based on citizenship or origin.
Basic Rights
Minimum Wage
- Entitlement to minimum wage by law (as of the end of 2025: approximately 6,248 NIS gross per month)
- Monthly payment – till the 9th of the following month
Working hours
- Regular working day: up to 8 hours
- Working week: up to 43-47 hours (depending on the industry)
- Overtime pay at an increased rate (125%-150%)
- Weekly rest – at least 36 consecutive hours
Social rights
Annual employee leave
- First year: 12 days of leave
- From the second year: 14 days
- Fifth year: 16-18 days
- Full vacation payment
Sickness days
- One and a half days for each month of work
- Accumulation up to 90 days
- Payment for the first few days (depending on seniority)
Convalescence Allowance
- Entitlement to annual convalescence allowance- amount depends on seniority
Insurance and Protections
National Insurance
- Full National Insurance
- Entitlement to benefits in the event of:
- Work accident
- Occupational disease
- Loss of work capacity
- Death (family benefits)
Health Insurance
- Health Insurance (Private or Public, Depending on Industry and Status)
- Emergency Medical Treatment
Severance Pay
- Eligibility for Severance Pay – One Month’s Salary for Each Year of Work
- Or: Payment to Pension Fund/Training Fund During Work
Working conditions
Safety
- Safe working environment
- Personal protective equipment as appropriate
- Safety training in understandable language
Housing (in certain industries)
- Decent and safe housing
- Compliance with space and sanitation standards
- In many cases – housing is provided at no cost or for a nominal fee
Respect and decency
- Prohibition of sexual harassment
- Prohibition of discrimination
- Prohibition of abuse or degrading treatment
Additional rights
Education/pension fund
- Employer contributions: approximately 6%-7.5% of salary
- Employee contributions: approximately 5%-6% of salary (depending on the agreement)
Advance notice
- In the event of dismissal – advance notice or payment on the spot
- The period depends on seniority (from one month to 3.5 months)
Appeal and receipts
- Right to receive detailed pay slips
- Right to appeal the terms of the contract
- Applying to a labor court
Special protections
Prohibition of passport confiscation – the employer is not permitted to retain the employee’s passport – this is a criminal offense.
Prohibition of payment for the permit – the employee does not have to pay for the employment permit, this is the employer’s responsibility.
Right to change employer – Under certain circumstances, the employee can transfer to another employer according to Population Authority procedures.
Foreign workers can contact with any problem to
- Ministry of Labor : For filing complaints about rights violations
- National Insurance : To receive social rights
- Lawyers who handle foreign workers and labor courts : for legal claims
- Aid organizations : Kav LaOved, Kavod, and other non-profit organizations.
Important to know: These rights are protected by law, and violating them is a crime. A foreign worker whose rights are violated can contact the authorities without fear of deportation, and there are legal protections for complainants.