Airport immigration officials are trained to identify and flag potential cases of trafficking, which were this referred to immediate law enforcement investigation and the potential victim was able to talk to a specialized social worker. In 2023, twenty (20) victims were recognized under this model, where it was determined there was prima facie evidence of trafficking. It must be emphasized that under no circumstances are any persons or victims compelled to cooperate with Law enforcement or Immigration officials, or to receive aid including shelter, and at all stages the clarification is made that the procedure is intended to prevent exploitation and assist potential victims, depending fully on their consent and wish to be assisted.

An important tool in the screening of victims is the use of information found in their cellular phones, subject to their consent. Often, this information is used to substantiate suspicions and offer aid to victims, as well as provide leads for future investigation cases. In July 2023, in Administrative Appeal 12780-01-23, the Tel Aviv District Court ruled that since the PIBA border officers are not explicitly authorized to search the phones of people seeking entry to Israel, the search is considered a violation of privacy, and thus border officials must be instructed to refrain from taking the phones of travelers and searching them, even with their consent. As a result, the relevant PIBA procedure was amended to clarify that PIBA officials may only request the travelers to present them with concrete documents from their phone, such as contacts they are planning to visit in Israel, or an email copy of a hotel reservation, and may not in any case search their mobile phones, even when consent is given.

This restriction has significantly impacted victim screening efforts, as they often rely on information the victim is reluctant at first to disclose when questioned. For those and other reasons, the GOI intends to draft and promote legislation giving PIBA the required powers, subject to balances and limitations, and also to search other appropriate avenues to screen vulnerable persons at this crucial junction.