What is convalescence pay (dmei havraah) and how much is it for a foreign worker in Israel?

Under Israeli employment law, dmei havraah (convalescence pay) is a statutory annual payment separate from wages, required by extension order under the Collective Agreements Law 5717-1957. The amount in 2026 is approximately NIS 440–460 per day for private-sector employees, paid once a year — typically in June or July. Eligibility starts after the first year of employment: workers receive 5 days in years 1–9, 6 days in years 10–14, and 7 days in year 15 and beyond. The Ministry of Labor enforces this entitlement through its labor inspection division, and the rate is periodically updated by government order.

Foreign workers on valid work permits are entitled to dmei havraah on the same terms as Israeli employees, because extension orders apply to all workers in the relevant sector regardless of nationality. An employer cannot contractually waive this payment — any clause purporting to do so is void. If your employer has not paid dmei havraah, you can file a claim in the Regional Labor Court within the 7-year limitation period under the Employment Claims Prescription Law. For more detail, see Employment Contracts in Israel for Foreign Workers and Expats.