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The Israeli Association for International Couples (AIC) has submitted today an official inquiry to MK Gilad Kariv, chairman of the Knesset Immigration and Absorption Committee, regarding the ongoing suspension of visa services across Israel.
Since the outbreak of the “Operation Roaring Lion” and the escalation with Iran on February 28, 2026, visa departments within the Population and Immigration Authority have remained fully shut down. While most bureau services – including registry, documentation, and passport issuance – have gradually resumed in emergency formats, visa services have not been reinstated at all.
In its inquiry, AIC outlined the severe and ongoing impact of this policy on international couples and foreign nationals in Israel. The organization emphasized that reliance on automatic digital visa extensions, while important, does not address many urgent needs – including entry to Israel for new applicants, appointments to obtain initial status permitting work, upgrades from B1 to A5 status that grant access to public healthcare, and naturalization processes.
AIC also raised critical gaps affecting individuals who were abroad when the extension was rolled out and therefore excluded from the digital extension mechanism, as well as those unable to leave Israel due to the lack of re-entry visas.
Despite previous discussions on the topic and the submission of multiple case examples to the committee, only a small number of cases have received individual attention, with no broader solution or policy change announced.
AIC is calling for the reopening of visa departments immediately after the Passover vacation, at least in an emergency capacity, the urgent rescheduling of canceled appointments (that aren’t simple extension appointments), and the publication of clear and comprehensive guidelines for affected individuals.
The organization will continue to advocate before policymakers and relevant authorities until visa services are fully restored and accessible to those in need.
