Foreign Workers Bill (Amendment - Use of Funds Not Withdrawn by Foreign Workers and Infiltrators), 5783-2022

The bill seeks to amend the existing law regarding funds not withdrawn by foreign workers or infiltrators. The proposed change is that instead of these funds being designated for the welfare of foreign workers, they will be directed to assist Israeli citizens harmed by the actions of foreign workers or infiltrators. If no such citizens are found, the funds will be directed to infrastructure rehabilitation in cities with a high concentration of infiltrators or foreign workers. Additionally, it is proposed to repeal Section 8(a)(1) of the existing law, which deals with the deposit obligation of foreign workers. The explanation for this is that the existing sections, which aim to encourage the departure of foreign workers at the end of their residence visa, are not currently achieving their goal. Instead, they create an incentive for infiltrators and foreign workers staying in Israel illegally to remain in the country, as their deposit funds, intended for their welfare, are not deducted in the event of a timely departure. These funds, in some cases, eventually reach the infiltrators themselves, thereby encouraging illegal stay. The bill aims to dedicate these deposit funds to assisting harmed Israeli citizens, and if there are none, to direct them to infrastructure rehabilitation in cities.

Source: הצעת חוק לדיון מוקדם