- January 20, 2025
- 5:27 pm
- Israel
HIAS, together with other organizations, intends to demand that Ukrainian citizens under protection in Israel be given a status better than B/2 or 2A5 – the kind that constitutes an official work permit.
For this HIAS Israel initiated an important survey for Ukrainian citizens under protection in Israel. The purpose of the survey is to collect information on the living conditions of Ukrainian refugees three years after the introduction of the non-refoulement policy.
This will help make the case for the State of Israel to provide a more stable status, including an official work permit.
Russian aggression in Ukraine has forced millions of Ukrainians to seek refuge abroad, and Israel has become one of many countries to provide them with temporary protection, medical care and basic services.
This is a unique movesince in the history of Israel there were no precedents for such a level of support for citizens of other countries affected by war. This gesture of solidarity underscores Israel's exceptional humanity and principled position in condemning aggression and helping those affected.
Israel has provided Ukrainian citizens under temporary protection with unique opportunities that were not previously available to other refugee groups. Among these measures:
- Non-refoulement policy: Israel has officially refused to deport Ukrainian citizens, ensuring their ability to remain in the country without the threat of forced return.
- Right to medical care: Refugees gained access to basic health services, including emergency care, an exceptional step in the context of the country's historical migration policies.
- Temporary protection status: Although visa categories such as the B/2 tourist visa were previously used for foreigners, new precedents have been introduced for Ukrainians, providing expanded rights and the ability to negotiate legal employment.
These measures were unprecedented, highlighting Israel's readiness to provide assistance in the face of a global humanitarian catastrophe.
Why is this important?
Many Ukrainians who came to Israel because of the war face legal and social restrictions. Current temporary status B/2 or 2A5 provides the right to stay in the country, but does not allow you to officially work. This complicates the integration process and provides only basic security.
The collected data will help identify key problems faced by Ukrainians and formulate an appeal to Israeli government agencies to improve their legal situation.
How to participate?
All citizens of Ukraine located in Israel are asked to answer several questions in the survey regarding:
- dates of arrival in Israel;
- current residence status;
- living conditions;
- difficulties they face.
The questionnaire is completed anonymously and the data is used only within the framework of HIAS Israel's activities.
The questionnaire is here – Survey for Ukrainian citizens in Israel
Details can be obtained from the HIAS coordinator, Zoya Pushnikova, by emailing: zoya.levitin@hias.org.
The main problems of Ukrainian refugees in Israel
Many Ukrainians face a number of difficulties, including the inability to work officially, lack of social protection and difficulties with adaptation.
| Problem | Description |
|---|---|
| No work permit | Temporary status does not allow official employment. |
| Limited social rights | Lack of access to social programs. |
| Difficulties in adaptation | Language barrier and lack of information support. |
What is HIAS Israel?
HIAS Israel — Israeli representative office of an international organization HIASfounded in 1881 to help Jewish refugees. Today the organization is dedicated to supporting all those who have suffered from wars, repressions and crises.
HIAS provides legal assistance, advice and helps improve the living conditions of refugees. In Israel, the organization actively supports Ukrainian citizens, helping them adapt and achieve new rights.
Conclusion
This survey is an important step towards improving the living conditions of Ukrainians in Israel. It will help identify the main problems and become the basis for appealing to the Israeli authorities for a more stable status.
We are on NAnews – Israel News We continue to cover issues related to supporting Ukrainian citizens in Israel and will inform you about further steps. Share this information to help those who need support!
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