Israel is a country that attracts many people with its opportunities, culture and history. However, the process of receiving legal status in Israel can be complicated, especially if one of the spouses has a criminal record. In this article, we will look at how one spouse’s criminal record can affect the process of obtaining legal status in Israel.
First of all, it should be noted that the criminal record of the foreign spouse and the criminal record of the Israeli citizen can have the same negative impact on the process of receiving legal status in Israel.
Israeli law is strict with regard to security issues. A criminal record can be an obstacle when considering an application for receiving legal status. However, this does not mean an automatic refusal. It depends on the nature of the offense, its severity and the time that has elapsed since the date of release.
Not all criminal offenses are treated the same. For example, minor offenses such as traffic fines may not have a significant impact on the decision. However, serious offenses involving violence, drugs or terrorism can be a major obstacle.
If a long time has passed since the release and the person has not committed new offenses, this can positively influence the decision. It is important to provide evidence of rehabilitation and positive characteristics, and in some cases – a psychiatrist’s report confirming that the person does not create a danger to society.
When submitting documents for receiving legal status, it is important to be honest and provide all relevant information about your criminal record. Withholding information may result in rejection. It is also recommended that you attach letters of support from your employer, friends or community organizations.
In cases where the offense was committed by an Israeli citizen seeking legal status in Israel for his/her foreign spouse, the couple’s process may be frozen, pending before the final judgment of the court. In such cases, if the applicants are able to prove to the Ministry of Interior that the article under which the Israeli is to suffer punishment does not provide for actual imprisonment, the process can be continued.
There is a legitimate explanation for this precaution in the instructions of the Ministry of Interior. The process of obtaining legal status in Israel for a foreign spouse takes between 4.5 and 7 years and stipulates that the spouses must live together. If the spouse has to serve actual imprisonment, the couple will not be able to live together, thus violating this requirement of the instruction.
In case of difficulties, it is recommended to contact an attorney specializing in immigration law. A professional will help to prepare all documents correctly and give recommendations on further actions.
Sometimes the Ministry of Interior may delay granting legal status to a foreign spouse because of the criminal record of one spouse and grant temporary status until the circumstances are clarified.
Receiving legal status in Israel in the event of a criminal record can be difficult, but not impossible. The main thing is patience and the desire to prove that the past does not determine the future. With the right approach and the support of an immigration law specialist, the chances of success are greatly increased.