Israel: Relaxed Salary Requirements for Foreign Workers in Gas and Oil Sector

Due to a recent policy update, employers of foreign workers in Israel’s private gas and oil sector can now submit applications under the unique technological or mechanized project category. Under this new pathway, foreign employees will be required to receive a minimum salary equivalent to that of local Israeli workers, a significant reduction from the previous requirement of paying foreign workers double the average local wage.

Previously, the unique technological or mechanized category was limited to large-scale national interest projects, with the additional condition that at least 50% of the workforce on the project be local employees. The updated policy removes these restrictions, allowing more flexibility for projects that may not be deemed of national interest, and eliminating the requirement for 50% local workforce participation. This change is aimed at boosting the competitiveness of Israel’s gas and oil industry.

Companies affected by this change must adhere to all application procedures and requirements set forth by the Population and Immigration Authority under the new pathway. This includes submitting comprehensive project descriptions and demonstrating the necessity of foreign expertise at least six months before the project’s start date.