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In depth
The Jewish Agency for Israel is the quasi-governmental organization responsible for Jewish immigration to Israel (aliyah). It processes aliyah applications, confirms eligibility under the Law of Return, and assists new immigrants (olim) with their integration in Israel.
For aliyah cases, the Jewish Agency is the first point of contact. The Agency reviews the applicant's documentation (proof of Jewish heritage or descent), issues the eligibility confirmation, and coordinates with the Israeli consulate for the immigrant visa.
The Jewish Agency has offices (shlichim) in Jewish communities worldwide, including in the US, Canada, UK, France, Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa.
Related terms
The Law of Return (1950) is the Israeli law that grants Israeli citizenship to Jews, their children, grandchildren, and spouses.
Aliyah is the Hebrew term for Jewish immigration to Israel, the process by which Jews and their descendants claim Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return.
Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior) is the Israeli government ministry that processes Israeli citizenship applications and issues Israeli identity documents.
The OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card is the Indian document granting lifelong residency and most economic rights to persons of Indian origin, in lieu of full dual citizenship.
PIO (Person of Indian Origin) was a card for persons of Indian origin, merged into the OCI scheme in 2015.
A koseki is the Japanese family registry, the official record of family relationships that serves as proof of Japanese citizenship.