Just five weeks after the government approved a decision to remove obstacles and provide significant easing in the professional licensing process for new olim, the Aliyah and Integration Cabinet met today (Sunday). The meeting, chaired by Minister Ofir Sofer, focused on tracking the implementation of the reform. The goal: to enable new olim to enter the Israeli job market from day one.
Significant progress in implementing the reform
During the session, ministers and professional staff reviewed the current status of the reform’s implementation and progress toward set targets. Reports showed meaningful advancement in many areas:
- Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs reported that all sections of the reform related to its authority have already been fully implemented.
- The Ministry of Justice announced that starting from the next exam date, olim in the accounting profession will receive extended time, in line with the government’s decision. Additionally, steps are being taken to grant a special status to immigrant accountants.
- The Ministry of Education shared that by June, the Director General’s Circular will be updated, and the implementation of the reform will begin in the next school year.
- Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security reported that by the end of the month, a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) will be completed in preparation for legislative amendments. The ministry is also moving forward with an online application process and updates to extend temporary licenses.
- The Ministry of Labor noted major progress: olim will now be able to receive a full professional license in their country of origin—not just preliminary approval. A retroactive analysis was also conducted to assess the impact of additional factors on exam results, resulting in more olim receiving passing scores. Draft regulations are in the final stages and are expected to be released for public comment by the end of the month.
Each ministry – and its progress
Minister Ofir Sofer shared that the session revealed an encouraging picture of significant progress across all relevant ministries. “I see the ministries’ commitment to swift and effective implementation of the government’s decision as extremely positive. The practical steps being taken right now will help thousands of olimintegrate into their original professions here in Israel.” He emphasized that these steps will make the best use of olim’s skills and education.
Minister Sofer added: “These efforts, along with many other programs, will contribute greatly to encouraging Aliyah. They will help Jews around the world make the Zionist choice—to come home to Israel. These announcements are already being welcomed with enthusiasm by Jewish communities around the globe.”
The session was attended by the Minister of Finance Smotrich, the Minister of Education Kisch, the Minister of Housing and Construction Goldknopf, the Minister of Economy Barkat, the Minister of the Interior Arbel, and the Minister of Diaspora Affairs Chikli. Also present were Itamar Donenfeld, Director General of the Ministry of Justice, and Shay Felber, Deputy Director of the Jewish Agency.
