India Emerges As Potential Solution To Fill Israel's Labor Gap In Construction Industry

Updated on: 9 November 2023 1:18 pm

An Israeli supporter holds an Israel flag during a solidarity event in Glencoe, Scotland

Israel is facing a pressing need for additional construction workers, prompting contractors to call on the government for urgent action. The Israeli Contractors Association emphasized the government's pivotal role in deciding the source of these much-needed workers.

Sources indicate that India might play a significant role in filling this labor gap, with discussions involving Israel's Minister of Economy, Nir Barkat, during his visit to India earlier in the year. The talks centered on the potential recruitment of around 160,000 individuals, highlighting the scale of the demand, PTI reported.?

Currently, the Israeli construction sector relies on foreign workers, with the largest group hailing from the Palestinian Authority, along with workers from China and Eastern Europe. The ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza has exacerbated the shortage of workers, adding to the urgency of addressing the labor deficit.

Interestingly, there are already about 20,000 Indians working in Israel, primarily in caregiving roles. Despite the challenges posed by the recent conflict, many Indian workers chose to remain in Israel, citing a sense of security and attractive salaries as contributing factors.