Inviting a Foreign Diamond Dealer to Israel for employment

In Israel’s thriving diamond industry, the need to invite foreign diamond dealers from around the world frequently arises. However, the regulations surrounding this are not simple and require compliance with many conditions and criteria. This article, written by attorney Michael Decker, an expert in immigration to Israel and Israeli commercial law, explains the procedure for inviting and employing a foreign diamond dealer in Israel.

Our law firm, with offices in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, specializes in corporate law and commercial law. The firm provides comprehensive legal services to clients from Israel and abroad on a wide range of issues, including company registration and dissolution, obtaining work and residency permits, representation of controlling shareholders and corporate officers, and more.

Legal Issues Concerning the Employment of Foreign Diamond Dealers

The diamond industry has been operating in Israel since the early 20th century. The Israeli Diamond Exchange, considered the largest of its kind in the world, has been operating for nearly 90 years. Israel is renowned for its diamond polishing, trading, import, and export activities, despite diamond mining taking place far from here, in countries such as India, Russia, Canada, and various African countries.

Given the industry’s significant scale, foreign diamond dealers frequently come to Israel from major diamond-producing nations. In this context, several legal issues arise. First, in many cases, these workers come from countries with which Israel does not have visa agreements. Israel’s Entry Order lists a closed group of countries whose citizens are exempt from securing a visitor visa before arrival. Major countries from which diamond dealers come to Israel, including India, Botswana, Angola, Congo, Namibia, and Sierra Leone, are not on this list.

Second, Israeli law sets strict requirements for obtaining permits to employ workers in the diamond industry. A supervisor for the diamond sector within the Ministry of Economy and Industry oversees the industry, which is subject to extensive regulation, including the requirement to obtain a license or permit to engage in it. Below, we detail the requirements and what is needed from companies wishing to invite a foreign diamond dealer for employment in Israel.

Obtaining a Recommendation from the Supervisor for the Diamond Sector

To apply for the invitation of foreign diamond dealers to Israel, you must follow the procedures of the Ministry of Interior and the regulations regarding the invitation of a foreign expert worker. A formal application must be submitted to the supervisor for the diamond sector in the Ministry of Economy and Industry by a company licensed to operate in the diamond industry. A prerequisite for granting the visa is the supervisor’s recommendation to issue the employment permit.

The maximum initial visa period for foreign diamond dealers is two years, and it may also allow the arrival of immediate family members (spouses and children under the age of 21). It should be noted that for foreign diamond dealers from India who are active managers and hold at least 25% of the shares in the employing company, there are separate provisions.

Which Documents Must Be Submitted with the Application for a Foreign Diamond Dealer’s Work Permit?

The application must include several documents verified and approved by a lawyer or accountant, including an updated company registry extract of the employing company from the Companies Registry or Business Licensing, a resume and translated certificates proving the foreign diamond dealers’ expertise (if this is a new application), and a duly authorized power of attorney (if the company is foreign and has no branch in Israel). A fee of 1,190 NIS is required for submitting the application.

Exemptions for Employers of Foreign Diamond Dealers

Foreign diamond dealers who receive a permit to work as experts in Israel are exempt from many of the obligations generally imposed on employers of foreign workers. These obligations, which are intended to protect foreign workers in certain sectors, such as caregiving, include ensuring their social welfare. For example, employers of foreign diamond dealers are not required to provide accommodation during the work period and for at least seven days afterward, although employers typically must provide these conditions to foreign workers.

Contact an Expert Lawyer for Immigration to Israel

The process of obtaining a permit to invite a foreign diamond dealer for employment in Israel is complex and requires legal assistance in several aspects, including obtaining the necessary approvals. Feel free to contact us with any questions. An expert attorney from our firm will be happy to provide information and guidance to maximize the chances of obtaining the required work permit. Our law firm specializes in immigration law in Israel and represents corporations in commercial law matters. We are experienced in providing legal advice and representation for Israeli and foreign companies in the diamond industry and other sectors.

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