We already know that finding a job, especially living in a foreign country like Israel, is quite a challenge but Filipinos who want to work in Israel should not give up at all because, eventually, everything will go well. Searching and applying are among the most difficult tasks for working abroad because you do not exactly know what to do. And on top of that, securing a job offer is always harder than the two previous steps.
This is a step-by-step guide on how to search for jobs, and apply for and secure a job offer in Israel for Filipinos. This way you can get yourself employed in the city that most Filipinos will consider home—Tel Aviv.
Table of Contents
Requirements
The common requirements for applying for jobs in any country are listed here. Other requirements will be revealed to you once you already secured a job offer.
Qualifications
As in any other country, in Israel, an applicant must be at least 23 years old and a high school graduate. One must also be physically and mentally fit to work.
Important Steps
These are the steps that you must take to apply for and secure a job in Israel. Aside from the steps listed here, which are the common steps an aspiring OFW must take, below is the list before and after you secure a job offer.
I. Self-Check
You must ask yourself first if you wanted to be an OFW. Know the pros and cons of being one.
If you already decided to go abroad, then, check your skills and qualifications. Knowing your skills and qualifications can help you decide on which job to take.
After checking and you make sure that you are qualified, it is now time to prepare the common requirements asked by the agencies which are listed above.
Thinking and deciding can eat up your energy and time, so take your time. Keep in mind that you need to make it slowly but surely.
II. Job Search
After much thought process, it is now time to find that one job that you are looking for. Searching for jobs is not difficult anymore because this can be done online. To start, here are the three online job portals that may help you in finding your dream job in Israel.
AllJobs
AllJobs offers staffing and recruitment services. This includes occupational guidance, CV upgrade, executive search, personal accompaniment for finding a job, job interview preparation, resume wizard, senior jobs, and other services.
To search for jobs using this website, you may read and follow the steps below.
1. Click the link above to redirect you to this website. The pop-up will give an option to switch languages, please choose ‘English.’
2. Click ‘Search by Domain’. There will be 4 search boxes. On the first search box, you can choose your preferred work hour (full-time or part-time), on the second is the location, and on the third is the type of job but you must enter the category in the fourth search box before proceeding to the third search.
Click the search icon on the left to proceed.
3. You will be shown results based on your search.
JobsIsrael
Jobs-Israel is an online job portal that specifically caters to job orders from Israel.
To search for jobs in Israel using this website, you may follow the steps below.
1. Click the link above and you will be redirected to this page.
2. Click ‘Search by Field’. You will be shown this page.
You may scroll down and look for the job you want. If you want fast searching, press ‘ctrl+f’ on pc/desktop and click ‘find in page’ if you’re on a mobile browser.
In this case, I am looking for work in Storekeeping. Click the ones in orange and yellow outlines one by one until you find a job that is suitable for you.
3. You will be shown results about the job you have searched for.
DMW
https://www.dmw.gov.ph/approved-job-orders
Lastly, the job portal is made for every Filipino wishing to work abroad. The website has a lot of legitimate job offers and the site is updated frequently as possible.
To search for jobs using the DMW website, you may read the following steps.
1. Click the link above.
2. Scroll down and in the search bar, enter ‘Israel.’
3. Latest job results will be shown.
III. Getting A Work Permit and Visa
An Israeli work permit is required for everyone who wants to work there. A work visa can be sought through either a potential employer or one’s spouse; this applies to all foreign nationals, except those who make aliyah to Israel, which is viewed as a “return to the homeland.” People who possess particular skills that are in great demand in Israel’s employment industry will find it simpler to get a work visa. People who apply for a visa through their employer should be aware that they will have a binding contract with that business.
Since they will be without a visa if their employment is terminated, they will need to apply for a temporary visa. Israel’s notoriously lengthy visa application procedure can take up to six months. A spouse could be utilized as a backup plan to get a work permit. You can work in any sector or organization with this type of visa.
Requirements to get a Work Permit:
- Permission from the Ministry Of interior
- Interview for a visa
- Authenticated certificate of good conduct
- Certification of a medical examination carried out by a mission-approved clinic or hospital (read more about the medical exam in our Relocation section)
- 2. Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)
- A filled-out Israeli visa application form
- 2 photographs the size of a passport
- Signed confirmation letter from the company indicating you will be hired
Experts with Temporary Employment
You will be given a B/1 visa if you are an expert working for up to three months. You will require the following paperwork:
- Israeli bare minimum wage
- CV or resume
- Academic diplomas (if not in English, diplomas will need to be officially translated into Hebrew and notarized by an Israeli notary)
- A copy of a passport that is valid for at least a year and six months after the application procedure begins.
- Power of Attorney
- Applications that have been completed and are signed.
- Three photographs the size of a passport.
- A police clearance was issued no more than six months ago.
- Medical approval (issued within the previous three months).
Process of Application for Work Visa
The employer and the foreign employee work together to complete the application for an Israeli work visa. You, as the employer, must apply to Israel’s Interior Ministry. The employee must submit the required paperwork to the Israeli consulate in their nation of residency in the meantime.
You must submit your initial application to the Israeli Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Labor if you’re requesting both a work permit and a visa. After four to eight weeks of processing, the Ministry will recommend something to the Ministry of Industry.
The work permit will be provided upon approval from these Israeli government agencies, at which point the employee can depart for Israel and start working for your business. Israeli work permits must be renewed each year as long as the employee plans to continue living and working in Israel beyond their initial one-year validity period.
IV. Preparation for Going to Israel
Before going to Israel for work, you must know your host country’s rules and regulations, as well as their culture and beliefs as this reflects the do’s and don’ts in the country.
1. Bring adapters
Islam’s electrical outlets require a three-round-pegged prong. Prior to your trip, be sure to buy one and bring it with you. Most people don’t look up any travel advice before they leave, so when they plug in the wrong thing, they get stuck.
2. Kosher Foods
In Israel, most restaurants serve kosher food. When an animal is kosher, it was put to death as gently as possible. One of the most crucial things to understand about Israel is that the law forbids eating dairy alongside meat.
3. Bring appropriate clothing
Although it may be warm in the summer, it is advised to dress in loose-fitting t-shirts with sleeves that are below the elbow if you intend to visit sites like the Western Wall or the place where Jesus was crucified. You don’t want the rather orthodox population to cause a scene.
4. Prepare for an interview
Before allowing you to enter, they will certainly interview you if you are a tourist. The reason for your trip and your profession may be some of the questions. Israel has experienced numerous problems in the past, and security is extremely tight.
5. Keep the paper slip from the airport
When you visit Israel, your passport is not stamped. They give you a paper visa to carry with you instead. Keep the slip in a safe place as it serves as documentation that you were checked before entering the country. This slip must be presented at all crossing points.
6. Going to Tel Aviv at Nighttime
Tel Aviv is well known for its vibrant nightlife. Nevertheless, there are lots of things to do at night. Due to the lighted bars and restaurants, the city comes to life at night. If you’re looking for a great place to unwind after a long day in Tel Aviv, you can find fantastic bars and even patio areas.
7. Sabbath Hours
Jews begin their Sabbath at nighttime on Fridays. During the weekend, no businesses or public transportation will be operating. In secular areas, some businesses will remain open, but if you are visiting a religious area, you must be ready for everything to close by 4-5 PM.
8. Shared Taxis
Shared or monit sherut taxis are an effective way to save money in cities all over the world. People are dropped off at significant hubs or central stations by monit sheruts, which run between cities. Regular taxi service would be far too expensive in the end.
9. Soldiers on the streets
You will probably see soldiers walking the streets with a weapon in hand because military service is important for both men and women. Israel takes security very seriously, so citizens must get used to seeing armed soldiers.
10. Save money
Contrary to popular belief, Israel is quite expensive. The cost of lodging, food, beverages, and shopping is undoubtedly high. There are many ways to reduce expenses, including buying food from local markets, booking a hotel that includes breakfast, looking for a hotel that is centrally located, and using shared taxis or shuttles. Carry extra cash if you can, just to be safe.
V. Arrival in Israel
Upon arrival in Israel, you must get an identity number.
Israeli citizens receive their Identity Number from the Ministry of Interior at birth. When applying for an A/5 permit, foreign nationals must also apply for an Identity Number in Israel. The nation issues Identity Numbers to temporary residents while they are given temporary resident status.
At the age of 16, every Israeli is given an identity card that contains their identity number and must be always carried. Noncitizens with a status of temporary or long-term residency are also affected by this. To apply for your ID card, you must fill out the application form completely. You won’t need to take any photos because the Population and Immigration Authority will take them instead (where you will go to apply). Additionally, your fingerprints will be scanned.
Video: HOW TO APPLY AS HOTEL WORKERS IN ISRAEL
In this video, Ms. Emily will talk to one of our kababayans who works as a hotel worker in the Dead Sea. The interview will take place via zoom meeting. She was one of the first group of Filipinos sent to work in Israel by Ambassador Ilan Fluss.
So, if you work in a hotel or are interested in working in a hotel here in Israel, this video is for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the commonly asked questions to help you out.
1. How much money should I bring to Israel?
Israel requires $300 cash. You can order shekels before leaving, but it’s easier to exchange in Israel. Airport exchange rates are bad, so avoid doing so. Change $50 to shekels for transportation to your hotel.
2. How many hours is the Philippines to Israel?
Manila to Tel Aviv is an 11-hour-and-27-minute flight.
3. Is it easy to get Israel visa?
Israeli authorities take at least five days to process visa applications. Work visas take 12 to 14 weeks to process.
4. Does Israel allow dual citizenship?
Israel allows dual citizenship. 10% of the population is a dual citizen. The Knesset has never restricted dual citizenship.
5. How long does a work visa last in Israel?
After obtaining a working visa, the employee is deemed a non-permanent worker in Israel and can stay for 63 months. “Professionals in a Specific Field” visas must be renewed every 24 months.
Summary
Just remember that wherever you are, always trust your gut. Any red flags? If you feel like the job is too good to be true, then it very well might be. Don’t be afraid to seek advice from family and friends as you prepare for an interview, either. Don’t take jobs that won’t allow you to stay in touch with people who care about you — it’s important to have constant support from those around you when you’re in a foreign country by yourself. You’ll make your job experience a positive one if you go there with realistic expectations about the job search and have a solid game plan for getting there and settling in once you find the perfect job offer.