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Foreign Worker Rights — Including Undocumented Workers in Beit Shemesh
Undocumented workers are entitled to minimum wage, basic working conditions and cannot be deported for filing a complaint — even if residing illegally.
About Beit Shemesh
Beit Shemesh is one of Israel's fastest-growing cities, and the Israeli-Ethiopian community has grown alongside it, settling in several neighbourhoods. The real-estate market offers relatively accessible prices for the greater Jerusalem area, with new developments and strong school infrastructure.
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 Beit Shemesh
- Community population
- ~8,000
- Share of city
- ~9%
- Main neighbourhoods
- רמת שפיר, גבעת שרת, נווה שאנן
- Community services
- ENP, מרכז קהילתי, ביה"ס עירוני
More rights in Beit Shemesh
This right in other cities
FAQ — Beit Shemesh
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Beit Shemesh?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Beit Shemesh numbers approximately ~8,000 residents — around ~9% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: רמת שפיר, גבעת שרת, נווה שאנן.
- How do I claim Foreign Worker Rights — Including Undocumented Workers in Beit Shemesh?
- Contact the Beit Shemesh Employment Bureau — it is required to assist in implementing affirmative-action law. For support: ENP, מרכז קהילתי, ביה"ס עירוני.
- What community support is available in Beit Shemesh for this right?
- In Beit Shemesh, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, מרכז קהילתי, ביה"ס עירוני.
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