uabb domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/sites/lawfirmbackup_200125/wordpress/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131When might delays in receiving a passport in Israel result in monetary compensation? These days, there are delays in issuing passports for Israeli citizens, which mainly stem from a high load of applicants or from strikes taken by the passport authorities. In certain cases, when the delay exceeds the time stipulated by law for issuing passports, this may constitute grounds for compensation by the authorities. In this article, attorney Joshua Pex from our firm, who specializes in immigration to Israel and represents our clients vis-\u00e0-vis the authorities and the courts in the processes of issuing passports, visas<\/a>, permanent legal status in Israel<\/a>, Aliyah<\/a>, and naturalization<\/a>, explains about the topic.<\/p>\n There have recently been very significant delays<\/a> in issuing passports for Israeli citizens. Although the corona crisis has receded, one of its side effects is the large number of Israelis who seek services from the authorities for the purpose of leaving or entering Israel. The Ministry of Interior\u2019s Population and Immigration Authority<\/a>, which is the main body responsible for renewing and issuing passports, is experiencing great difficulty in handling the load of requests. Consequently, it has become difficult to schedule appointments for renewing passports, and the time it takes to issue passports has become exceedingly long. Specific solutions such as issuing temporary passports<\/a> or starting a “passport marathon<\/a>“, with Population Authority bureaus focusing entirely on issuing passports, have only partially improved the situation.<\/p>\n Besides the delays in issuing passports for Israelis residing in Israel, also Israel\u2019s Diplomatic Missions abroad, who operate under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have been experiencing delays in providing passports and even a shortage in passports to issue<\/a>. This comes on top of the strikes among many of the workers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs<\/a>, due to which there are disruptions in the consular services provided by the authorities. This is a big problem for Israelis abroad who only have an Israeli passport (including students<\/a> studying at foreign universities and Israelis working abroad) that has expired and, in many cases, they cannot renew it for the purpose of returning to Israel or leaving the country where they are staying. It is important to know that, in many cases in which there is a delay in issuing a passport, this may constitute grounds for suing the authorities<\/a>. The amount of compensation that is awarded in these lawsuits may reach thousands of Israeli shekels and sometimes even more. Below we explain what the law stipulates regarding delays in delivering passports and we will show a recent example of a lawsuit on the matter that was accepted.<\/p>\n The procedure for issuing or renewing a passport is stipulated in the passport regulations<\/a>. According to this procedure, applying for a passport requires scheduling an appointment at the Population Authority offices (or the Israeli consulates abroad, for Israelis who are overseas). Since the State of Israel has been issuing only biometric passports since 2017, biometric identification details are taken during the application process (a camera capture of facial features or the applicant\u2019s fingerprints). The passport is then sent to the address of the applicant by registered mail within approximately six weeks.<\/p>\n The procedure for renewing or issuing temporary passports is quicker, but these passports are only valid for one year from the time that they are received. Applications for temporary passports may be filed at some of the Population Authority offices, as well as at the Ben Gurion Airport. Those who wish to issue a temporary passport within 48 hours of the flight may only apply for one at the Ben Gurion Airport.<\/p>\n If the authorities take an unreasonable time to issue a passport, this may constitute grounds for a lawsuit against them. The authorities may be sued at a court that is authorized to accept this type of claim (the Magistrate or regional court, depending on the subject-matter jurisdiction<\/a>, also called jurisdiction ratione materiae<\/em>, to hear the specific case). It is also possible to file a suit at the small claims court<\/a>. These proceedings are generally quicker, since they are carried out in a less formal manner than are suits at Magistrate or regional courts.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nWHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR ISSUING A PASSPORT?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
HOW DO YOU SUE THE AUTHORITIES IF YOU EXPERIENCE Delays in Receiving a Passport?<\/strong><\/h4>\n