What Is a Ben Mehagrim
This article will address what is a ben mehagrim along with additional relevant information on the topic. If you are abroad, you can address many ben mehagrim issues through the closest Israeli embassy or consulate in your area.
What is a ben mehagrim
A ben mehagrim or bat mehagrim (i.e. a son or daughter of emigrants) is any Israeli citizen who was formerly a resident of Israel but who left Israel with their parents or legal guardians prior to reaching the age of 16 and whose parents are currently living abroad. (This same title applies if only one of their parents lives in Israel and the parent who has custody of them is currently living abroad.)
A person with Israeli citizenship who was born abroad and who never lived in Israel is called a yelid chul (i.e. born abroad) and has the same entitlements as a ben mehagrim. A permanent resident of Israel can no longer be considered a ben mehagrim.
If a ben or bat mehagrim’s parents return to Israel after they turned 21, they will still be entitled to register as ben mehagrim. Additionally, if they had been living abroad since before they turned 13, they will still be entitled to register as ben mehagrim if their parents return to Israel after they turned 18.
Reporting for military service
At the age of 17, all Israeli citizens living abroad must report to the nearest Israeli consulate to register for military service. If they fall under the category of ben mehagrim, then their national service will be deferred as long as they continue to live abroad. If they do not register as a ben mehagrim at a consulate or embassy and attempt to visit Israel, they will be considered AWOL and can even face trial and prison time.
Additional articles of interest
We provide additional articles about ben mehagrim on our website, including how many days a year a ben mehagrim can visit Israel, additional ways ben mehagrim can obtain military service exemption, and how to choose a ben mehagrim lawyer.
Contact us
If you have more questions about what is a ben mehagrim or seek legal assistance to obtain this status or a military deferral or exemption, please contact us. Advocate Joshua Pex specializes in this topic, and he would be happy to help you.
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:מאמרים מומלצים