Iran-Israel tensions threaten Indian workers in Israel

17 Apr 2024 CW Team

According to an advisory issued, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asked all Indians not to travel to Iran or Israel until further notice, due to escalating tensions between the two countries. This followed Iran's threat of reprisal for Israel?s bombing of its embassy in Damascus.

At least 500 Indians, hired after a process facilitated by the National Skill Development Council (NSDC) along with Israel?s Population, Immigration and Border Authority (PIBA), have already flown to Israel since April 2. The first group of 64 workers were flagged off in a ceremony hosted by the Israeli Embassy in Delhi. NSDC officials, who facilitated the recruitment drive, stated that the advisory is for all citizens, causing a temporary disruption in the process.

Plans are on hold for Unnao-based Satish Kumar, who was among a group of 325 Indians packed and ready to leave India on April 16. He expressed his anxiety over developments in the region, stating that all plans had been put on hold until further notice due to rising tensions. He explained that he had taken a loan from a relative to pay for all the expenses ahead of the trip, but he has been assured that the ?66,800 paid for flight tickets and other charges will not be lost.

According to the terms offered by the Israeli agency, the workers are expected to travel at their own expense and will only receive contracts once they land in Tel Aviv. A sample contract available on the PIBA website details that insurance, accommodation, and food will be arranged by employers, but their costs will be deducted from workers? salaries. Despite this, the contracts for a promised ?1.37 lakh a month are far higher than what these workers could hope to receive in India.

Satish Kumar expressed uncertainty about the process, stating that candidates on social media groups are desperate amidst rising tensions.

Israeli officials had been pushing to fast-track the recruitment process for the past few months, given a major shortfall in labor since the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas. Following this, the Netanyahu government revoked entry permits for more than one lakh Palestinian workers. As a result, groups of Indian workers cleared for employment in Israel have been flying to Tel Aviv every day on board commercial flights.

War clouds between Iran and Israel have cast a shadow over the future of more than 5,000 Indians who have been recruited for construction work in Israel. Experts questioned the government for allowing the recruitment at this time. According to an advisory issued, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asked all Indians not to travel to Iran or Israel until further notice, due to escalating tensions between the two countries. This followed Iran's threat of reprisal for Israel?s bombing of its embassy in Damascus. At least 500 Indians, hired after a process facilitated by the National Skill Development Council (NSDC) along with Israel?s Population, Immigration and Border Authority (PIBA), have already flown to Israel since April 2. The first group of 64 workers were flagged off in a ceremony hosted by the Israeli Embassy in Delhi. NSDC officials, who facilitated the recruitment drive, stated that the advisory is for all citizens, causing a temporary disruption in the process. Plans are on hold for Unnao-based Satish Kumar, who was among a group of 325 Indians packed and ready to leave India on April 16. He expressed his anxiety over developments in the region, stating that all plans had been put on hold until further notice due to rising tensions. He explained that he had taken a loan from a relative to pay for all the expenses ahead of the trip, but he has been assured that the ?66,800 paid for flight tickets and other charges will not be lost. According to the terms offered by the Israeli agency, the workers are expected to travel at their own expense and will only receive contracts once they land in Tel Aviv. A sample contract available on the PIBA website details that insurance, accommodation, and food will be arranged by employers, but their costs will be deducted from workers? salaries. Despite this, the contracts for a promised ?1.37 lakh a month are far higher than what these workers could hope to receive in India. Satish Kumar expressed uncertainty about the process, stating that candidates on social media groups are desperate amidst rising tensions. Israeli officials had been pushing to fast-track the recruitment process for the past few months, given a major shortfall in labor since the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas. Following this, the Netanyahu government revoked entry permits for more than one lakh Palestinian workers. As a result, groups of Indian workers cleared for employment in Israel have been flying to Tel Aviv every day on board commercial flights.