Ministry of Immigrant Absorbtion: Definition of a "Scientist"

Who is entitled to receive assistance from the Center for Absorption in Science?

a. An immigrant who was approved by the Center for Absorption in Science as meeting the definition of a scientist and who is not over 70 years of age.

b. A Returning Resident who passed both stages of eligibility for assistance as a scientist:

The Division for Returning Residents confirms that he has resided abroad for a period exceeding 3 years prior to his return to Israel.

The Center for Absorption in Science approves his eligibility as a scientist in compliance with the aforementioned age limitations regarding immigrants) up to the age of eligibility for pension.

For more information about Ministry of Immigrant Absorption assistance to returning residents, see the chapter on Returning Residents.

What is the Duration of Assistance?

A. Immigrant scientist
Employment in the Public Sector

An immigrant scientist who is absorbed in the public sector must begin working with the Center Assistance within 3 years from the date of his immigration (A doctor – within 5 years)
Duration of assistance - up to 3 years.
Duration of eligibility - up to 6 years from the date of aliyah for a scientist (for a doctor – up to 8 years).

Employment in the Business Sector

An immigrant scientist who is absorbed in the business sector must begin working with the Center Assistance within 4 years from the date of his immigration
Duration of assistance - up to 3 years.
Duration of eligibility - up to 7 years from the date of aliyah for a scientist

B. Returning scientist:
Employment in the Public Sector

The returning resident scientist must be employed with the assistance of the Center within one year of returning to Israel.

Duration of assistance - up to one year.
Duration of eligibility up to 3 years from the date of scientist's return to the country.

Employment in the Business Sector

The returning resident scientist must be employed with the assistance of the Center within two years of returning to Israel.

Duration of assistance - up to one year.

Duration of eligibility up to 4 years from the date of scientist's return to the country.

Extension of Eligibility

The Director of the Center for Absorption in Science can extend, as an extraordinary case, the eligibility of the scientist concerning the beginning or expiry of his rights by 6 months.

The Director may use his authority if he is convinced that the employer is committed to absorbing the scientist at the end of the period of assistance.

Appeal

Appeals of the decision of the Director of the Center, or application to extend the period of eligibility, may be submitted to the State Appeals Committee of the Ministry.