Indian workers heading to Israel unlikely to get medical, job security: Report
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Concerns have been raised about Indian workers seeking employment opportunities in Israel, with reports claiming that those who apply for jobs in Israel will be excluded from the social protections usually provided by the Indian Union government for those venturing into conflict zones.
This revelation, sourced from official promotional documents, indicates that such workers won't benefit from medical coverage or employment guarantees, contrary to the support offered to individuals going to most Gulf nations for employment.
Despite the External Affairs Ministry asserting that the possibility of Indian workers replacing Palestinian labourers in Israel has not been discussed, at least two Indian states – Uttar Pradesh and Haryana – have already invited applications for jobs in Israel.
This follows a bilateral agreement reached in May, allowing 42,000 Indian workers to find employment in Israel's construction and nursing sectors.
The National Skills Development Corporation has reportedly issued a detailed document promoting these job opportunities, describing them as a "passport to dreams abroad" and a chance to "discover new horizons in Israel."
The document outlines 2,000 openings for plastering workers, 2,000 for ceramic tile workers, and 3,000 each for iron bending and frame workers. The monthly salaries for these roles are estimated to be approximately 6,100 Israeli shekels, equivalent to Rs 1.37 lakh.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the conditions imposed on these workers. Costs for accommodation, food, and medical insurance are said to be deducted directly from their salaries. Additionally, workers are required to purchase their own tickets to travel to Israel and pay Rs 10,000 to the National Skill Development Corporation as "facilitation fees."
An added complication arises as those heading to Israel for work won't be able to register on the External Affairs Ministry's e-Migrate portal, a platform designed to streamline guarantees for workers since its introduction in 2015.
The controversy intensifies against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the region, with nearly 80 to 100 foreign workers reported killed in the October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, and the conflict in Gaza entering its fourth month.
In response, the All India Trade Union Congress has expressed concern about the safety of workers heading to Israel and is reportedly planning to approach the courts to address these issues.