Welcoming a new caregiver home: the complete checklist

You have a permit, and a caregiver has been placed with you.

The first days are the most important. A lawful start prevents about 90% of later problems, misunderstandings, and claims in the labour court.

Worth stating clearly: the bureau's role is to place the caregiver and stay with both sides for the whole employment. The duty to keep the lawful conditions sits with the employer, the patient or the family.

1. A written employment contract #

Every employer of a foreign caregiver must make a written contract, in Hebrew and in a language the caregiver understands. Not doing so is a criminal offence. The contract states the role, the basic wage, the fixed weekly rest day, the housing, and the hours, and that on the rest day the caregiver is free of all work and may stay or leave.

2. Proper housing #

A private room with a lockable door, a bed, a wardrobe with a lock, a table, light, and heating, and free access to the kitchen, the shower, the toilet, and hot water. The room stays clean and ventilated, at the employer's expense for the whole employment and for 7 days after it ends.

3. Medical insurance from the first day #

The employer must buy private medical insurance for the whole employment and give the caregiver a policy summary in a language the caregiver understands.

4. National Insurance #

The employer must open an employer file and pay National Insurance contributions. Pay online, or ask for a payment booklet by post through a branch, the *6050 phone line, or the website. Regular payment covers a work accident and protects the employer. Without it, the employer can face claims of hundreds of thousands of shekels. Keep every receipt.

5. A bank account in the caregiver's name #

Under the authority's procedures, the wage must be paid only by bank transfer to an account in Israel, or to a licensed payment company, in the caregiver's name alone. Cash is forbidden under the authority's procedures and the permit terms. An account can be opened at the postal bank or any commercial bank, with a passport and a valid work visa. A documented transfer is the best evidence in the labour court.

6. Choosing 9 holidays #

A foreign caregiver is entitled to 9 holidays a year according to the caregiver's religion, in addition to the weekly rest day. Have the caregiver sign the choice of 9 holidays for the coming year, in two signed copies. Work on a chosen holiday is paid at an extra 150%, in that same month.

7. The wage is due by the 9th #

The wage for the previous month must be paid by the 9th of the next month. A later payment is delayed wages. Pay by transfer to the caregiver's account, or to a licensed payment company in the caregiver's name.

Yad Harutzim provides a current contract approved by a lawyer, the 9-holiday form, guidance on housing and health insurance, help opening the National Insurance file, and a referral to open a bank account, so the employment is proper, human, and lawful in 100% of the required steps.