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Foreign Worker Rights — Including Undocumented Workers in Ashkelon
Undocumented workers are entitled to minimum wage, basic working conditions and cannot be deported for filing a complaint — even if residing illegally.
About Ashkelon
Ashkelon absorbed significant waves of Israeli-Ethiopian community members from the 1990s onward and is today a major southern community hub. Community members are spread across multiple neighbourhoods in the city, alongside a growing presence of local businesses, educational institutions and community-led initiatives.
Key Principle
In Israel, labour rights apply to every worker — regardless of legal status. Even those residing illegally are entitled to basic employment rights.
Basic Rights
Minimum wage (from 1 Apr 2026): ILS 6,443.85/month for a full-time post — ILS 35.40/hour on a 182-hour base, ILS 34.64 on a 186-hour base. Annual leave: 12-24 days/year. Sick pay: 1.5 days/month worked. Severance: after 1 year — 1 month per year worked. Maximum hours: 45/week.
Protection from Deportation
The Foreign Workers Law protects anyone filing a labour complaint — they cannot be deported during investigation proceedings.
Who to Contact
Kav LaOved (free advice): 1-800-354-354 | Tebeka: 072-2424622 | UNHCR (refugee status): unhcr.org.il
📞 1-800-354-354
Ethiopian community in Ashkelon
- Community population
- ~9,000
- Share of city
- ~7%
- Main neighbourhoods
- ברנע, שמשון, אפרידר
- Community services
- ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי
More rights in Ashkelon
This right in other cities
FAQ — Ashkelon
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Ashkelon?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Ashkelon numbers approximately ~9,000 residents — around ~7% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: ברנע, שמשון, אפרידר.
- How do I claim Foreign Worker Rights — Including Undocumented Workers in Ashkelon?
- Contact the Ashkelon Employment Bureau — it is required to assist in implementing affirmative-action law. For support: ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי.
- What community support is available in Ashkelon for this right?
- In Ashkelon, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי.
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