Looking for jobs in Israel? Here’s all you must know as Gaza conflict rages on

Last updated on January 20th, 2024 at 05:08 am

Trade unions and Labour activists have raised serious concerns over the recruitment of Indian workers for jobs in Israel, as the country continues to fight a months-long brutal conflict against Hamas militants in the neighbouring Gaza Strip.

Officials from Indian states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are set to screen applicants for the positions. But activists stress the Indian government is bypassing normal protections it usually employs for Indian labour going abroad to conflict zones, reported The Hindu.

Who will actually be responsible for workers’ eventual fate?

Currently, all workers going to conflict zones or places lacking sufficient labour protections must register themselves on the ‘e-migrate’ portal run by the Ministry of External Affairs. But Israel is not a part of the e-migrate system, the newspaper noted.

Last month, the governments of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh invited applications for job openings in Israel. The government plans to send thousands of construction workers to the country. The workers shall be selected by the National Skills Development Corporation.

The activists stress that the government’s decision is likely to put the Indian workers in harm’s way. “This step is against Indian ethos,” The Hindu quoted Amarjeet Kaur, general secretary of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), as saying.

Jobs in Israel: Migrant labour expected to pay for own tickets

The positions promise attractive compensation packages but lack details on contractual protections. Costs concerning accommodation, food and medical insurance will be deducted from the salary, amounting to approximately Rs 1.37 lakh ($1,650) per month.

In addition, the people seeking the job roles are expected to pay for their own tickets, and the NSDC charges Rs 10,000 ($120) per person as facilitation fees, the national daily reported, citing official documents. The move has been called “inhumane” by activists.