A new government reform approved Sunday should speed up the licensing process allowing new immigrants to work in their professional fields, removing a frustrating obstacle many face in the process.

The reform, led by Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer, will allow professionals in certain licensed fields to start the licensing process before arriving in Israel and fast-track procedures that currently take months.

The plan will apply to specific licensed professions listed in the reform. Other professions, including law, will not be affected.

“This is a groundbreaking and historic decision that will accelerate the integration of olim into the job market, strengthen the Israeli economy, and help address shortages in essential professions,” Sofer said, referring to new immigrants.

He said the decision could generate up to NIS 3.8 billion ($1.1 billion) for the Israeli economy by 2034 and save NIS 2.1 billion in lost labor and training costs.

Immigrants have long complained that Israel’s lengthy licensing processes for professions like medicine,........

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