Bharat has urged Israeli authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of Bharatiya nationals sent to Israel under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement for employment in the construction sector. The first group of 64 workers has already traveled to Israel, with more batches expected to follow this month. Israeli authorities, in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), have selected over 9,500 workers through interviews.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the importance of the workers’ safety, particularly amidst the conflict in Gaza. He stated that Bharat has urged Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of the workers and provide necessary support. Jaiswal clarified that the workers would be deployed in areas with economic activities, avoiding regions close to conflict zones or occupied by Israeli settlers not recognized by Bharat.
The Bharatiya embassy in Israel maintains constant communication with the approximately 18,000 Bharatiya nationals living and working there, including caregivers and professionals, to ensure their welfare and security.
Reports suggest that Indian workers are being sent to Israel under a government-to-government agreement signed in May 2023. Another agreement in November 2023 focused on facilitating temporary employment for Bharatiya workers in construction and caregiving roles. Despite the conflict with Hamas in October, many Bharatiya workers in Israel chose to remain in the country.
According to documents from the NSDC, there are thousands of job openings in various construction roles, offering competitive monthly salaries. However, concerns have been raised by several labor unions and rights groups regarding the safety guarantees provided to Bharatiya workers sent to Israel.
Labour unions such as the Centre of Indian Trade Unions and All India Trade Union Congress, along with rights groups, have questioned the decision to send Indian workers to Israel without adequate assurances for their safety. This raises important considerations about the protection and welfare of Bharatiya workers abroad.
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