The Ministry of Economy will provide 5,000 foreign workers for the trade and services sectors, 1,000 of them to new employers

Last updated: July 2, 2026 | 7:18 p.m

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The Ministry of Economy and Industry announces a new allocation of up to 5,000 foreign workers for the trade and services sectors, in accordance with the decision of the Executive Committee on Foreign Workers’ Affairs. The quota includes a special route for new employers as well as the distribution of an additional quota for existing employers. The allocation is aimed at companies from the retail and wholesale sectors, workshops, cleaning, event halls, infrastructure services and the other sectors included in the process.

Due to the high demand for foreign workers in the sector, currently estimated at over 50,000 workers, the Ministry of Economy and Industry has formulated a new distribution scheme that aims to ensure a professional, fair and efficient distribution of the approved quota. The contingent was divided into two tracks:

• A route for existing employers whereby a quota of approximately 4,000 permits will be distributed to employers who have previously received a recommendation in the industry and have not yet exhausted their full entitlement. These employers are not required to submit an application as part of the published advertisement. The Ministry of Economy and Industry examined the balance of their eligibility in accordance with the provisions of the procedure and formulated its recommendation.
• A new employer pathway under which up to 1,000 permits are issued to employers who have not previously received a recommendation to employ foreign workers in the industry. These employers will submit an application in a call for proposals published by July 15th.

Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat: “The Ministry of Economy and Industry continues to work to ensure the business continuity of the Israeli economy and address the ongoing labor shortage. The new allocation will allow many companies to expand their activities, improve service to the public and increase competition in the economy.”