Israel Extends Foreign Workers’ Visas Amid Missile Strikes and Airport Closure

Key Takeaways

• Israel automatically extends all foreign workers’ visas valid on June 12, 2025, until September 30, 2025.
• Ben Gurion Airport closed since June 12, 2025, strands 40,000 tourists and cancels all flights until June 23.
• INGOs must re-register by September 9, 2025, to maintain legal status amid stricter visa and reporting rules.

Israel Extends Foreign Workers’ Visas Amid Conflict and Airport Shutdown

Israel’s government has announced a major policy change for foreign workers and legal residents, responding to the ongoing missile strikes and the closure of Ben Gurion International Airport. On June 17, 2025, the Population and Immigration Authority declared that all visas for foreign nationals legally residing in Israel 🇮🇱 as of June 12, 2025, are automatically extended through September 30, 2025. This move affects thousands of foreign workers, tourists, and residents who have found themselves stranded or unable to leave due to the conflict and airport shutdown.

Why Did Israel Extend Foreign Workers’ Visas?

The decision comes after a sharp rise in missile attacks, especially from Iran, with over 400 ballistic missiles fired at Israel 🇮🇱 since Friday. The violence has led to the closure of Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s main gateway for international travel. With the airport shut to all passenger traffic, about 40,000 tourists are now stuck in the country, unable to fly out. El Al, Israel’s national airline, has canceled all flights until at least June 23, 2025, and no commercial flights are departing.

The government’s automatic visa extension aims to ease the uncertainty for foreign nationals who cannot leave Israel 🇮🇱 because of the airport closure. It also helps employers and humanitarian organizations continue their work during this difficult period.

Who Is Covered by the Visa Extension?

The extension applies to all foreign nationals who had valid visas as of June 12, 2025. This includes:

• Foreign workers on B/1 (general work) visas
• Tourists on B/2 (visitor) visas
• Other legal residents with valid status
• INGO (International Non-Governmental Organization) staff with work permits

No one needs to apply for this extension. The process is automatic, and the new expiration date for all covered visas is September 30, 2025. This means foreign workers and residents do not risk overstaying or facing penalties if their visas were set to expire between June 12 and September 30, 2025.

How Does the Airport Closure Affect Foreign Nationals?

Ben Gurion International Airport is the main international airport in Israel 🇮🇱, located near Tel Aviv. Its closure has left tens of thousands of people stranded, including tourists, foreign workers, and residents who planned to leave the country. The airport has been closed to all passenger traffic since June 12, 2025, and there is no clear date for reopening. El Al flights are canceled until at least June 23, 2025, but the situation could change depending on security developments.

With no commercial flights available, foreign nationals cannot leave Israel 🇮🇱 even if their visas are about to expire. The automatic extension ensures that these individuals remain in legal status and do not face problems with immigration authorities.

What Are the Main Details of the Visa Extension Policy?

The Population and Immigration Authority’s announcement includes several important points:

• Automatic Extension: All foreign nationals with valid visas as of June 12, 2025, have their visas extended until September 30, 2025.
• No Application Needed: The extension is automatic. Foreign nationals do not need to submit any forms or visit immigration offices.
• Covers All Visa Categories: The policy applies to B/1 (work), B/2 (visitor), and other visa types.
• Legal Status Maintained: Individuals whose visas were set to expire during this period remain legally present and authorized to work.
• Employers Can Continue Employment: Employers can keep foreign workers on staff as long as their visas are covered by the extension.

What Should Foreign Workers and Employers Know?

For foreign workers, this extension provides peace of mind. They do not need to worry about their legal status or risk penalties for overstaying. They can continue working and living in Israel 🇮🇱 until at least September 30, 2025.

For employers, the extension means they can keep their foreign staff without interruption. However, they must still follow all other rules, including new salary and reporting requirements for B-1 visa holders. As of January 2025, the minimum monthly salary for foreign experts on B-1 visas is ILS 13,153 (about USD 3,580). Employers must also keep up with stricter documentation and reporting rules for these workers.

What About Humanitarian Organizations and INGOs?

International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) face additional challenges. In March 2025, Israel 🇮🇱 introduced new, stricter rules for INGO registration and foreign staff visas. INGOs now have a six-month interim period, from March 9 to September 9, 2025, to re-register and comply with the new requirements. These include:

• Submitting detailed online applications
• Providing full identification and family details for all foreign staff
• Meeting new documentation and reporting standards

If INGOs do not complete re-registration by September 9, 2025, they risk losing their legal status and work permits for foreign staff. This could disrupt humanitarian work in Israel 🇮🇱 at a time when it is most needed.

How Are Foreign Embassies Responding?

Foreign embassies in Israel 🇮🇱, such as Georgia’s, have confirmed the automatic visa extension for their nationals. They are providing updates and support to their citizens, helping them understand the new rules and what to do during the airport closure. Embassies advise their nationals to stay informed through official channels and to contact them for assistance if needed.

What Are the Practical Steps for Foreign Nationals and INGOs?

• Foreign Nationals: No action is required. The visa extension is automatic for anyone with a valid visa as of June 12, 2025.
• Employers: Continue employing foreign workers whose visas are covered by the extension. Make sure to follow all other employment rules, including salary and reporting requirements.
• INGOs: Complete re-registration and provide all required information by September 9, 2025, to avoid losing legal status for foreign staff.
• New Applicants: Foreign workers who do not yet have a visa must remain outside Israel 🇮🇱 until their visa and work permit are approved.

What Are the Broader Implications of the Policy?

The automatic visa extension is an emergency measure, reflecting both humanitarian concerns and practical needs. With Ben Gurion International Airport closed and violence ongoing, it would be unfair and unsafe to force foreign nationals to leave or penalize them for overstaying. The policy also helps employers and humanitarian organizations continue their work during a time of crisis.

However, the new, stricter rules for INGOs and foreign workers signal a trend toward tighter control over immigration and humanitarian operations in Israel 🇮🇱. INGOs warn that these rules could make it harder to provide aid and support during conflicts. Employers must also adjust to higher salary thresholds and more paperwork for foreign experts.

How Does This Compare to Past Visa Policies?

Israel 🇮🇱 has made temporary changes to visa policies during past conflicts, but the current extension is broader and more automatic than before. In the past, foreign nationals often had to apply for extensions or special permits. Now, the government has made the process automatic for everyone with a valid visa, reducing stress and confusion.

What Is the Future Outlook?

The situation remains uncertain. Ben Gurion International Airport could reopen soon, or the closure could last longer if the conflict continues. The government may announce further visa extensions or new measures if needed. INGOs must complete re-registration by September 9, 2025, or risk losing legal status for their foreign staff.

Employers and foreign workers should stay alert for updates from the Population and Immigration Authority and consult legal advisors if they have questions about compliance.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Multiple Perspectives: How Are Different Groups Affected?

• Foreign Nationals: Most are relieved by the automatic extension, but many are anxious about travel plans and job security. Some worry about how long the airport will remain closed and when they can return home.
• Employers: The extension brings clarity, but new compliance rules for B-1 visa holders and foreign experts add to their workload. They must pay higher salaries and keep more detailed records.
• Humanitarian Organizations: INGOs are concerned about the impact of new registration rules. If they cannot meet the new requirements, they could lose the right to employ foreign staff, making it harder to deliver aid.
• Government: The Israeli government is focused on national security and keeping order during the conflict. At the same time, it wants to minimize disruption for legal residents, foreign workers, and humanitarian groups.

What Should You Do Next?

• Check Official Updates: For the latest information, visit the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority website.
• Contact Your Embassy: Foreign nationals should reach out to their embassy in Israel 🇮🇱 for country-specific advice and support.
• Employers and INGOs: Consult legal and immigration experts to make sure you are following all new rules and deadlines.
• Stay Informed: The situation can change quickly. Watch for new announcements about airport status, visa extensions, and compliance requirements.

Important Reminders for Foreign Workers and Residents

• No Need to Apply: If your visa was valid on June 12, 2025, it is automatically extended until September 30, 2025.
• No Overstay Penalties: You will not be penalized for staying in Israel 🇮🇱 during the airport closure.
• Keep Documentation: Always carry your passport and visa documents in case you need to show proof of your legal status.
• Follow Employment Rules: If you are working, make sure your employer is aware of the new salary and reporting requirements.

For INGOs: Key Compliance Steps

• Re-register Online: Use the official online application system to re-register your organization and foreign staff.
• Provide Full Details: Submit identification and family information for all foreign employees.
• Meet the Deadline: Complete all steps by September 9, 2025, to avoid losing legal status for your staff.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

The current crisis began with a sharp escalation in violence between Israel 🇮🇱 and Iran. Over 400 ballistic missiles have been fired at Israel 🇮🇱 since Friday, resulting in at least 24 deaths in Israel 🇮🇱 and hundreds more casualties in Iran. The conflict has disrupted daily life, travel, and business operations across the country.

In response, Israel 🇮🇱 closed Ben Gurion International Airport, cutting off international travel. The government quickly moved to extend visas for all foreign nationals, recognizing that many could not leave the country even if they wanted to.

At the same time, new rules for INGOs and foreign workers, introduced in March 2025, have made it harder to get and keep legal status. These rules require more paperwork, higher salaries for foreign experts, and stricter reporting.

Looking Ahead: What Might Change?

• Airport Reopening: There is no set date for Ben Gurion International Airport to reopen. El Al flights are canceled until at least June 23, 2025, but this could change.
• Further Visa Extensions: If the conflict continues and the airport remains closed, the government may extend visas again or introduce new measures.
• Stricter Controls: INGOs and employers should expect continued scrutiny and possibly more rules in the future.

Where to Find More Information

For the most up-to-date information, always check the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority website. This is the official source for visa updates, policy changes, and compliance requirements.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the automatic visa extension is a rare but necessary step in a time of crisis, balancing humanitarian needs with national security. Foreign workers, employers, and INGOs should stay alert for further updates and seek professional advice if they have questions about their status or obligations.

Final Takeaways

• Foreign workers and residents: Your visas are safe until September 30, 2025. No action is needed unless new rules are announced.
• Employers: Keep up with new salary and reporting rules for foreign staff.
• INGOs: Complete re-registration by September 9, 2025, to keep your staff legal.
• Everyone: Stay informed, keep your documents ready, and check official sources for updates.

This situation is changing quickly, and staying informed is the best way to protect your legal status and make good decisions during this challenging time.

Learn Today

B/1 Visa → A visa category allowing foreign nationals to work legally in Israel under specified conditions.
Ben Gurion International Airport → Israel’s main international airport near Tel Aviv, currently closed due to missile attacks.
INGO → International Non-Governmental Organization involved in humanitarian or developmental work with legal status requirements in Israel.
Population and Immigration Authority → The Israeli governmental body managing visas, immigration, and population registration policies.
Visa Extension → An official prolongation of a visa’s validity period allowing continued legal stay and work.

This Article in a Nutshell

Israel extends foreign workers’ visas automatically until September 30, 2025, due to airport closure from missile strikes. About 40,000 tourists are stranded. INGOs face stricter registration rules amid ongoing conflict and closed borders, ensuring legal status and employment for thousands during this crisis.
— By VisaVerge.com