By Amit Acco, Partner |
Since the onset of the October 7th conflict in Israel, a substantial number of foreign expatriates engaged in various sectors, particularly construction, have departed the country. Simultaneously, many Palestinians previously employed by Israeli contractors find themselves unable to return to work due to heightened security concerns.
International Collaborations to Fill the Void
Consequently, Israel, in collaboration with several nations, is actively working to entice foreign nationals to contribute to the country’s construction industry.
For instance, the Uttar Pradesh government in India has launched an urgent recruitment drive for construction workers interested in employment opportunities in Israel.
India’s Recruitment Drive
The UP labor department unveiled an advertisement proclaiming, “The Government of India presents a unique chance for construction workers to secure jobs.”
Applications are now being solicited from skilled professionals such as, tile workers, shuttering workers, and those proficient in netting, among others, through the Government of India’s National Skill Development Mission.
Incentives for Prospective Workers
The prospective employment involves working in secure environments in Israel, specifically in building construction projects. Successful applicants can anticipate a monthly compensation of USD 1,500 per month, with an additional bonus fund of USD 160 per month. This initiative aims to address the labor vacuum in Israel’s construction sector and foster collaboration between nations in the pursuit of shared economic development and stability.
Industry Crisis and Government Response
In the past few months, contractors have sounded alarms about the impending collapse of the industry, particularly affecting small and medium-sized companies. In response, the state has decided to address the issue by increasing the quota of foreign workers through bilateral agreements, raising the limit from 20,000 to 50,000 workers.
Private Sector’s Role in Easing Bureaucratic Delays
Additionally, the business sector has taken steps to expedite the process by bringing in 10,000 foreign workers under private agreements, aiming to reduce bureaucratic delays.
Despite these measures, current projections suggest that only a few hundred initial workers will arrive next month. In the interim, the industry continues to face stagnation and challenges.
