New immigrants to Israel would enjoy tax reductions, moderate-priced housing accommodations, and free high school and college tuition under the terms of a bill to be submitted to the Israel Parliament when it convenes on October 13.
The concessions are part of a plan to encourage 20,000 immigrants to settle in Israel, chiefly from the more affluent countries. Avraham Cygel, head of the Jewish Agency’s Department of Immigration and Absorption, said today that details of the plan were worked out at the top level by a joint committee of the Government and the Jewish Agency, and were generally approved by the immigration authorities.
The concessions in the new measure include an income tax exemption for married couples with two children of 1,500 Israeli pounds ($500) per month for the first year. In the second year, two-thirds of this sum would be tax free and in the third year, there would be an exemption of one-third.
Further concessions would apply to property taxes and land registration fees, while taxes on cars would be the same as in the country from which the newcomers emigrated. Houses would be provided on a rental basis, with the option of purchase after three years’ occupancy. It was estimated that 33,000 three-room apartments would be offered for rentals of 150 Israel pounds ($50) per month.
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