Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
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Israelis to receive work-travel visas to four new nations
Foreign ministry in advanced stages of negotiations with Italy, France, Czech Republic, and Japan to permit young Israelis a chance to work abroad.
The foreign ministry has held advanced talks on new bilateral agreements to allow young Israelis to travel and work in Italy, France, Czech Republic, and Japan, Ynet learned on Sunday.
The new accords are expected to be signed within a few months. Israel had successfully negotiated several such agreements with New Zealand, Germany, South Korea, and – most recently – Australia.
Louvre Museum in Paris, France (Photo: Shutterstock)
The bilateral deals would permit Israelis to legally work in eight countries, even as the foreign ministry continues to negotiate with other international powers like Canada and Poland. As first reported by Ynet, the latest accord – with Australia – will grant 500 work visas to young Israelis.
The agreement with Australia was signed after five years of negotiations by the Oceanic country's deputy immigration minister, Michaelia Cash, who volunteered on Kibbutz Naot Mordechai 25 years ago, and Israeli Ambassador to Australia Shmuel Ben-Shmuel.
Church in Umbria, Italy (Photo: Shutterstock)
Ben-Shmuel said after the signing ceremony that the "agreement opens the door for easing visa requirements for Israeli tourists and businessman trying to travel to Australia."
According to the agreement, Israelis between the ages of 18 and 30 seeking one of the 500 visas must have completed a term in the IDF or in National Service and have taken English courses in school.
The Israelis granted the new visas would be permitted to work in certain sectors like agriculture, tourism, fishing, construction, education, and others. Under the mutual bilateral agreement, 500 Australians will be granted identical visas.
Some three years ago, an agreement was signed with New Zealand allowing 200 Israelis to live, travel, and work in the island nation for up to a year. The quota was filled immediately. A similar agreement was signed with South Korea but has yet to be implemented.
