Israel’s suspension of work permits for tens of thousands of Palestinians following the Hamas attacks on October 7 last year has created job opportunities for workers in countries like India. Thousands of young Indian men have been lining up outside recruiting centers in the northern Indian states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in recent weeks, hoping to secure employment in Israel.
Starting next week, approximately 10,000 Indian workers will head to Israel in groups of 700-1,000 per week, according to a source in the Israel Builders’ Association. Sri Lanka, Mexico, Kenya, Malawi and Uzbekistan are among the other countries that the IBA is eyeing to hire workers to revive the construction sector.
According to reports, Israel plans to permanently replace its Palestinian workforce with foreign workers, leading to massive recruitment efforts overseas. This raises concerns about whether Indian workers are being affected by the politics and conflicts of the Middle East.
Israel has long experienced a labor shortage, particularly in the construction sector, which has worsened since the suspension of Palestinian work permits. Several construction projects have been stalled, prompting plans to bring in large numbers of Indian workers to Israel. These plans predate the October 7 attacks, with an agreement signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel in May 2023 providing for 42,000 job openings for Indian nationals in Israel’s construction and nursing fields.
An estimated 18,000 Indians are already in Israel, either studying or working as caregivers, diamond traders, and IT professionals. The number of Indian workers in Israel is expected to rise significantly, with many seeking recruitment for various positions.
Driven by unemployment, inflation, and low wages in India, young men are willing to work in war zones like Israel to support their families. Despite the dangerous situation in the region, many are eager to take on the jobs in Israel due to the higher salaries offered.
The Modi government aims to position India as a global provider of skilled and semi-skilled workers to other nations, addressing unemployment at home and earning foreign exchange. However, labor activists are concerned about the dangers of sending workers to a conflict zone like Israel, calling for protection of workers’ rights.
Trade unions, as well as foreign policy implications, have raised concerns about India’s closer ties to Israel and the impact this has on relations with Palestinians and the Arab world. The hiring of Indian workers in Israel is seen as supporting Israel’s economy at the expense of the Palestinian people, potentially making Indian workers vulnerable to attacks.