What happens to an Israeli work visa if the sponsoring employer dismisses the worker or closes down?

The principle of employer-tied visas in Israel is established by the Foreign Workers Law 5751-1991 and the regulations made under it. Most Israeli work visas — B/1 visas — authorize the holder to work only for the named employer in the specific occupation listed on the permit. When the employment relationship ends, whether through dismissal, resignation, or the employer's closure, the legal basis for the work authorization ends with it. The Population and Immigration Authority (*Rashut HaHagirah VehaKnisah*) provides a grace period of up to 60 days, during which the worker may seek a new employer and apply for a permit transfer. The transfer requires the new employer to file a fresh work permit application and is not automatic.

Foreign workers dismissed in Israel often do not realize that their dismissal simultaneously affects their immigration status. Practical steps are time-sensitive: the worker must notify the Population and Immigration Authority of the employment termination, avoid working without authorization during the transfer process (a criminal offence under Section 2 of the Foreign Workers Law), and obtain written documentation of the dismissal and its cause. Labor rights — including severance pay, unpaid wages, and compensation for unfair dismissal — are entirely separate from immigration status and can be pursued through the Israeli labor courts regardless of visa status. Specialized categories such as agricultural workers and caregivers have sector-specific transfer rules. Our full guide to Israeli work visas explains the permit categories and the application process in detail.

From the full guide: Work Visas in Israel: A Complete Guide for Foreign Nationals

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