Being denied entry into Israel and threatened with deportation with the loss of the ability to enter Israel for 5-10 years can be an unforeseen negative experience for many travelers. However, even when faced with such a situation, it is important to know that you have the right to appeal the decision to deport you. And while it is not easy to file an appeal without the help of an immigration attorney, we will go through each step of the process of appealing a refusal of entry into Israel.
Before taking any action, it is important to clearly understand the reason for the denial. Passport control officers have to provide you with a written notification – a decision stating the specific reasons for the refusal. This may be due to suspicion of the intent to remain in the country illegally, insufficient documents to prove your intentions to visit Israel, etc.
It is important to remember that the appeal has to be filed at least 4 hours prior to the intended return flight, otherwise the appeal will be automatically denied.
Before filing a formal appeal, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney specializing in Israeli immigration law. The lawyer will help you assess the prospects of your case, prepare all the necessary documents and advise you on how to proceed.
Since the appeal must be written in Hebrew only and in compliance with all procedural rules, it is advisable not only to consult a specialist, but also to seek his assistance.
Along with the appeal, a request for suspension of the execution of your deportation decision shall be filed until a final appeal decision is made.
The appeal shall be filed with the Appeals Tribunal. The appeal shall be considered as soon as possible, but sometimes it can take several days, including court hearings.
After you file an appeal, there is a waiting period. Depending on the complexity of your case and the workload of the service, the case consideration may take from a few hours to a few days.
After the Tribunal has considered the appeal, a decision will be made, if the appeal is successful, you will be granted permit to enter the country.
If the appeal is rejected, you have the option to appeal the Tribunal’s decision to the District Court or to agree with the Tribunal’s decision and leave the country.
If your appeal has been rejected, before re-entering Israel, you shall make sure that you will be able to enter. To do this, you shall contact the Ministry of Interior of Israel in advance, either through an immigration attorney or through an Israeli citizen who invited you – a relative, friend, acquaintance etc.
Being denied entry to Israel can be an unpleasant surprise for any traveler, but by knowing your rights and following the procedure, you can successfully appeal a decision to deny you entry to Israel.