Israel Eases Restrictions on Foreign Academics in West Bank Universities

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) of the Israeli Ministry of Defense has adopted new rules regarding foreign professors and international students from countries with diplomatic relations with Israel, including the United Kingdom, the European Union, Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco, who will be welcomed in the Palestinian universities of the West Bank. These professors and researchers must have at least a doctorate, submit a visa application to the Israeli consulates in their country before traveling to the West Bank. The number of visas issued to them will not exceed 100. In total, 150 visas will be issued to international students wishing to study in Palestinian universities.

COGAT and the Ministry of Defense will have the power to restrict the academic subjects followed by international students, who must also undergo an interview at the Israeli consulate as part of their visa application, reports Haaretz. Students or professors must receive an official invitation letter from the Palestinian Authority (PA). The validity of the visa for teachers and students is one year, with the possibility of extension. Professors can teach for a maximum of five non-consecutive years, but they must leave the country for nine months after 27 months of teaching, in order to comply with Israeli regulations. As for international students, they can stay for four years to complete their higher or postdoctoral studies.

Professors and students from Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco can only apply for short-stay visas.