Government Approves Incentive Package to Boost Immigration to the North and Absorb Immigrant Doctors
New immigrants are welcomed with songs and dances at Ben Gurion Airport / Hodaya Toldano
At this morning’s government meeting, held Thursday in Nof Hagalil, a series of new measures was approved to encourage immigration, absorb immigrant doctors, and strengthen health services in the region, as part of the government’s policy that views immigration as a national, economic and social engine of growth. The decision joins previous government decisions that included steps to encourage immigration to Israel, remove barriers to immigrant employment, and advance immigration as a significant engine of growth for the Israeli economy.
One of the main components of the decision is expanded assistance for new immigrants who choose to live in the area. According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration in January 2026 among Jews in the diaspora, housing was ranked as the main barrier to immigration to Israel. Thirty-one percent of respondents said that rent subsidies would be a significant factor in deciding to immigrate to Israel, and 18% said such subsidies would allow them to make aliyah immediately.
Under the new decision, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration will provide an additional monthly assistance payment of 500 shekels to new immigrants who arrive from the date of the decision and choose to live in core cities. This amount is in addition to the 2,000 shekels currently provided in the periphery.
A dedicated program to encourage immigrant doctors and a special grant for their absorption into the health system
A dedicated response will be provided to encourage immigrant doctors to move to core cities, including personal guidance and support for integrating into the community and the local health system. This step is intended to help strengthen the region’s health system by attracting quality medical personnel, while making use of the knowledge and professional experience brought by immigrant doctors from their countries of origin.
In addition, the government approved a new incentive mechanism for hospitals and health funds in the area, aimed at encouraging the employment of immigrant resident doctors, for each new immigrant resident doctor who immigrates to Israel from the date of the decision until the end of 2030 and is employed by them. For the implementation of the program, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration will allocate 2.88 million shekels.
Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer welcomed the decision, saying: "Aliyah has been and will remain one of the most important engines of growth for the State of Israel. The decision we passed today in the government meeting connects the vision of aliyah with the development of the north, and creates real incentives for new immigrants to choose to build their home, their family and their future here. Alongside strengthening settlement and communities, we are also working to strengthen the health system by encouraging the aliyah and absorption of immigrant doctors, who will bring knowledge, experience and a significant contribution to the residents of the region. This is a strategic investment in the future of the region and in the resilience of the State of Israel as a whole."
