Practical Proposal for Hiring Foreign Workers
Question
Answer
Hello,
According to Rambam, it is not sufficient for them to accept the seven Noahide laws; they must be considered a 'resident alien'. In our times, it is not possible to convert a gentile into a resident alien.
As Rambam wrote, (
Laws of Idolatry, Chapter 10, Law 6
):
These matters are only applicable when Israel is in exile among idolaters or when the power of idolaters is stronger over Israel, but when the power of Israel is stronger, we are forbidden to allow idolaters among us, and even if they reside temporarily or pass through the land with trade, they should not pass through our land until they accept upon themselves the seven commandments commanded to the sons of Noah, as it is said: 'they shall not dwell in your land' even temporarily,
and if they accept the seven commandments, they are a resident alien, and we only accept a resident alien when the Jubilee is in effect, but not in the Jubilee time, we only accept a righteous convert.
Source
Rambam, Laws of Idolatry, Chapter 10, Law 6