Renewal of Relationship in Israel After Separation

Acquiring legal status – permanent residence or citizenship – foreign spouses in Israel is a lengthy procedure. These are gradual processes conducted with the Ministry of Interior, lasting up to 5 years for married couples and up to 7 years for domestic partners. As happens in relationships, sometimes during this period the relationship between foreign spouses and their Israeli partners may falter, and the couple make breakup, terminating thew relationship. At the same time, the couple may break up and get back together, their relationship “renewed”. In other cases, foreign spouses may find new partners in Israel. Can foreign spouses continue the status regularization process and remain in Israel after separating from their partner if they get back together or start a new relationship? Attorney Michael Decker, an expert in Israeli immigration law, explains renewal of relationship in Israel after separation.

Our law firm in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv specializes in Israeli immigration law. Our attorneys have extensive professional experience representing and assisting couples in status regularization procedures for foreign spouses.

General Explanation: Status Regularization in Israel

Status regularization in Israel for foreign spouses, whether married or cohabiting as common law couples with Israeli partners, is known to be a complex and lengthy process. It requires compliance with the procedures set by the Ministry of Interior for married couples and those for domestic partners. These procedures allow foreign spouses to gradually obtain permanent status in Israel through a process known as the “gradual procedure.”

What Are the Consequences of Ending the Relationship?

Sometimes, during the status regularization process, the relationship may come to an end. In such cases, a separate procedure applies, requiring a notice of the end of the relationship. The couple will then be summoned for an interview to assess the foreign spouse’s intention to stay in Israel. There may be an option to continue the status regularization on humanitarian grounds.

What Happens in Cases of Renewed Relationships or New Relationships with Other Partners?

In many cases, couples who have separated later decide to renew their relationship. In other cases, foreign spouses enter new relationships with different partners. The Ministry of Interior’s procedures specify that renewing a relationship that has ended between the same partners, or opening a new application for status regularization with a new partner, requires starting the process anew. This follows the procedure for ending the relationship, which mandates halting the gradual process.

This means that the previous residence visa granted to the foreign spouse will be canceled. If the couple meets the requirements, they will be issued a work visa. If the new application for a joint-life file is approved, the couple will go through a new gradual process. They must present evidence of the the relationship being “genuine” and “sincere” and a shared center of life in Israel. Additionally, a check will be conducted to ensure there are no criminal or security concerns. Only if all these conditions and additional procedural requirements are met will status regularization in Israel be possible.

Does Every Case Where the Ministry of Interior Notes the End of a Relationship Require Starting the Gradual Process Anew?

Sometimes, during the gradual process, Ministry of Interior representatives may suspect that the relationship is not genuine – for instance, due to difficulties in the relationship. This may lead to a decision to terminate the gradual process. It is important to know that such a decision can be appealed, and not every case requires opening a new joint-life application.

In a case recently discussed by the Jerusalem Administrative Court, a couple contested the Ministry of Interior’s decision to end their gradual process. During an interview, the foreign partner stated that she and her Israeli partner had not lived as a couple for many years, leading to a suspicion of an insincere relationship. However, this was actually due to her Israeli partner’s severe health issues, and she continued to care for him throughout that time. The court criticized the Ministry of Interior’s decision, overturned it, and emphasized that difficulties in a relationship do not necessarily indicate the end of the relationship.

Contact an Expert Immigration Lawyer in Israel

In conclusion, cases of renewed relationships between separated partners or new relationships generally require reopening the status regularization process in Israel. However, this involves various complexities, so it is advisable to seek legal advice and act according to the circumstances of the case. For any questions or issues, please contact us, and an expert attorney from our firm will be happy to assist. Our law firm has extensive professional experience representing couples in status regularization procedures in Israel.

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