22nd Dec. 2007
Foreign Worker's Deposit – Important Notice to Workers in the Construction Industry who left Israel between Dec. 2006-July 2007
Foreign Workers who worked in the Construction Industry are asked to apply to the Foreign Worker's Department as set out below to receive monies deposited in their names in the Foreign Worker's Deposit, if they fulfill all of the following conditions:
1. They worked legally in the Construction Industry in Israel after July 2005.
2. They left Israel permanently between Dec. 2006-July 2007.
3. They have not received the monies deposited in their names in the Foreign Worker's Deposit.
Following is an explanation of the procedure:
Beginning July 2005, employers in the construction industry deposit 700 NIS monthly with the Foreign Worker's Department in the Minisry for each foreign construction worker. Part of this sum is deposited in lieu of severance pay. The Department holds this sum in a special bank account for each worker.
The deposited sum, along with accrued interest, is paid to the worker at the airport when he leaves Israel permanently, after deduction of bank fees, deportation fees (if relevant) and income tax (15%). For every month in which the worker was employed illegally or overstayed his visa period, a percentage of the deposit is deducted. A worker who overstays for a period of 6 months forfeits the entire deposit. In cases in which the overstay was due to a mistake made in good faith or to circumstances beyond the worker's control, the worker may file a request, within 6 months of the end of the visa period, to cancel the deduction from the deposit, and the request will be considered by the Head of the Foreign Workers' Department
During the period between Dec. 2006 and July 2007, the procedure for payment of the deposit at the airport was unavailable, and workers were asked to leave their bank details with the Foreign Worker Department to allow payment of the sum by bank transfer abroad.
Unfortunately, some workers did not leave their bank details, or left incomplete details.
Therefore, workers who left Israel and did not receive the deposit are requested to apply for the monies by filling out the attached form and signing it before the Israeli consulate in their country, or before a notary public, who must affix an apostil and forward the form to the Israeli consulate in his country. The forms will be forwarded by the consulate to the Foreign Worker's Department, which will deposit the monies in the worker's account abroad.
Sincerely,
Aharon Barazani
Head, Payments Division
Foreign Worker's Department