Difference between Working through “Hevrat Asama” and a Direct Contract in Israel
In Israel, every employee sooner or later faces a choice: get a job through a private staffing agency like “Hevrat Asama” (חברת כוח אדם), or sign a direct contract with the employer. This topic is especially important for new immigrants and temporary residents, who do not always understand the legal and financial nuances. The difference between these two forms of employment can significantly affect your rights, salary, social benefits, and stability. Our free classifieds site Jobs helps job seekers find vacancies in both formats, and thanks to automatic translation, every listing becomes accessible in Russian, Hebrew, English, and Arabic. This allows you to quickly compare conditions and make an informed decision without missing details due to the language barrier.
Who is “Hevrat Asama” and How It Works
“Hevrat Asama” (Hebrew: חברת כוח אדם) is a private staffing agency that hires workers and then “leases” them to other companies. In practice, you sign an employment contract with the agency, not with the factory, office, or store where you perform tasks daily. The agency is responsible for paying salary, tax deductions, and social contributions, but your direct supervisor is an employee of the client company. This format is often used in cleaning, security, manufacturing, and temporary projects. For many, it is a quick way to start working without long interviews, but it is important to remember: the agency may have its own interests, which do not always align with yours. On the site Services, you can find offers from different agencies, and automatic translation will help you understand the terms in your native language.
Direct Contract: Stability and Full Rights Package
A direct contract means you sign an employment agreement directly with the company where you work. This is the standard employment format in Israel, providing maximum rights: paid sick leave, vacation pay of 12 days per year after the first year of work, pension savings (pension + insurance), holiday gifts, and opportunities for advancement. The employer is obligated to pay a full salary without commissions or intermediaries. If you are looking for a long-term career in an office, startup, or manufacturing, a direct contract is the most reliable option. Start your search with the Jobs section, where many companies post vacancies directly. Automatic translation into Russian, Hebrew, English, and Arabic will allow you to immediately assess all conditions without needing to manually translate each listing.
Salary, Taxes, and Social Benefits: Key Differences
When working through “Hevrat Asama,” your salary is often lower than that of colleagues with a direct contract, even if you perform the same duties. The agency charges a commission for its services, so your net income may be 15–30% less. Additionally, social contributions from the agency are minimal: pension savings and sick leave are often below the statutory minimum. With a direct contract, the employer fully complies with labor legislation—you receive full statutory payments, including reimbursement for travel and meal expenses (under certain conditions). Tax deductions (mas achnasa) also differ: with a direct contract, you have more opportunities for tax benefits, for example, for new immigrants. To compare offers, use the Real Estate section to find housing near work and Cars if you need to commute to remote areas.
When to Choose “Hevrat Asama” and When to Choose a Direct Contract
Working through “Hevrat Asama” can be a temporary solution: if you have just arrived in Israel, do not know the language, or are looking for a part-time job for a few months. Agencies often help you get set up without lengthy paperwork and provide flexible schedules. However, you should not stay in this format longer than a year: the law requires that after 12 or 18 months of work (depending on the field), the client company must offer you a direct contract. If this does not happen, you lose rights. A direct contract is essential for those who want stability, a credit history, and career growth. It is best to look for vacancies in trusted sections, such as Hand to Hand, where both private and corporate offers are posted. Thanks to automatic translation, you can read each listing in Russian, Hebrew, English, or Arabic—saving time and preventing misunderstandings.
Conclusion: How to Make the Right Choice
The choice between “Hevrat Asama” and a direct contract is a question of your priorities. If you need a fast start and flexibility, a staffing agency can be a first step. But for long-term well-being, it is better to aim for a direct contract, which provides full social benefits, a decent salary, and respect for your rights. Our free classifieds site Jobs offers thousands of options in both formats, and each listing is automatically translated into Russian, Hebrew, English, and Arabic. This means you don’t need to spend time on translators—all information is available in your native language. Use this tool to compare conditions, ask questions, and find a job that meets your expectations. Start your search today and see: the right information is your main asset in the Israeli labor market.