Law of Return is one of the stones of the Israeli immigration policy, allowing Jews and their family members from around the world to settle in Israel. However, the process for minors who are not direct beneficiaries of this law, yet accompany their parent(s) who are eligible, involves a specific set of procedures and requirements. This article delves into the Israeli government’s procedure for handling requests for status change for such minors, as outlined in Ministry of Interior Directive No. 5.2.0024. The primary objective of the Directive No. 5.2.0024 is to establish a method for processing requests for status changes for minors accompanying a parent whose spouse is eligible under the Law of Return, (hereinafter: “minor” or “minors”).
Key requirements and conditions for minors
Age limit: The procedure defines a minor as a child under the age of 18.
Proof of custody: For minors up to 15 years old, proof of the child being in the custody of the inviting parent for at least two years prior to the application is not required. However, for minors over 15, such proof is necessary.
Consent of the second parent: The parent applying for the minor’s status in Israel must provide documentation confirming their sole guardianship or obtain the consent of the second parent for the minor to be granted status in Israel.
Documentation: Original and translated birth certificate of minor, valid passport (for at least 6 month), and recent photographs of the child are required.
Parental presence: The presence of the minor and the biological parent during the application process is mandatory.
All the documents have to apostilled and translated by the Israeli notary.
Processing procedure
The MOI office workers verify the details in the application form against the passport and attached documents.
Family relationship: The familial relationship between the child and the parent is authenticated.
Approval process: If no restrictions are found and all conditions are met, the minor’s status change to A/5 is approved.
Issuance of documents: The MOI issues a new registration form and updates the minor’s status in the system. A temporary residence permit is granted, valid for up to 3 years, with the possibility of applying for Israeli citizenship thereafter.
Conclusion
The MOI directive no. 5.2.0024 is a comprehensive framework created to manage the status change of minors accompanying their parents, whose spouses are eligible for the status based on the Law of Return. This procedure ensures that all necessary legal and administrative steps are taken to facilitate the integration of these minors into Israeli society and to stay with their parents.