Israel•AsiaVaries
Free
Varies based on committee approval
Special humanitarian visa allowing foreign caregivers who have exceeded 63-month work limit to remain in Israel to continue caring for their long-term patient.
The Humanitarian Stay Permit for long-term caregivers is a specialized visa category in Israel designed for foreign workers who have exceeded the standard legal duration of employment (typically 51 to 63 months) but whose continued presence is deemed essential for the well-being of their nursing patient. This permit is not a standard work visa but an exceptional measure granted by the Ministry of Interior, often following a review by a humanitarian committee. It is intended for cases where the patient has a severe medical condition or disability and where the sudden removal of their specific caregiver would result in significant, documented harm to the patient's health or quality of life. The process is highly rigorous, requiring substantial medical and social evidence to justify the departure from standard immigration stay limits.
This visa is specifically for foreign caregivers who have established a deep, essential bond with their patients and whose employers can prove that no other suitable care arrangement is viable. The application process is initiated by the employer or their legal representative, and the foreign worker must formally consent to the terms, acknowledging that the visa is tied to that specific employment relationship. Because this is a humanitarian exception, it is subject to strict eligibility criteria, including the patient's disability status and the worker's previous employment history. It is a one-time opportunity for most applicants; if the request is denied, the worker is generally required to leave Israel within a specified timeframe. The system is designed to balance the state's immigration policies with the critical care needs of the most vulnerable members of society.
The foreign worker must have been legally employed in the caregiving sector in Israel.
The employer/patient must possess an active, valid, and unoccupied employment permit for a foreign caregiver.
The worker must have reached the end of their standard legal stay period (typically 51-63 months) and requires an extension due to exceptional humanitarian circumstances.
The application must demonstrate that terminating the employment would cause significant damage to the employer/patient.
The worker must not have previously been granted a 'Special Humanitarian Visa' for a different employer.
The worker must not have an outstanding expulsion decree or be subject to ongoing judicial proceedings requiring them to leave Israel.
The worker must not have pending applications for other visa types (e.g., refugee status, family reunification, or other humanitarian medical visas).
The worker must be healthy and fit for work in the caregiving sector, as certified by a doctor.
Official application form for the humanitarian stay permit, signed by the employer/patient, an immediate family member, or legal executor.
A detailed letter of explanation from the employer/patient outlining the exceptional humanitarian reasons for the request.
A professional opinion from a certified doctor, nurse, or local authority social worker confirming that terminating the employment would cause significant harm to the patient.
A medical letter from the patient's primary physician detailing their medical history and current condition.
A signed consent form from the patient (or legal guardian) waiving medical privacy rights.
A formal declaration by the foreign worker, signed by a lawyer (or notarized if in a foreign language), confirming agreement to the extension and understanding of the legal consequences if the request is denied or if they resign.
A medical certificate from a certified doctor confirming the worker is healthy and fit for caregiving duties.
Documentation supporting the specific humanitarian claims (e.g., proof of disability level, such as Bituach Leumi benefits).
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.
Start Visa Discovery