Iran-Israel tensions threaten Indian workers in Israel
ECONOMY & POLICY

Iran-Israel tensions threaten Indian workers in Israel

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.

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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Indian Delegation Visits South Africa for Trade and Investment Talks

A nine-member Indian delegation participated in the second session of the India-South Africa Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI) held in Pretoria from 22 to 23 April 2025. Discussions were conducted in a cordial atmosphere, focusing on expanding trade ties, boosting investments, and fostering greater people-to-people exchanges. The meeting was co-chaired by Malose Letsoalo, Chief Director, Bilateral Trade Relations, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, and Priya Nair, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce, India. Delegates from the High Commission ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Ministry of Cooperation Inaugurates NCOL Organic Packaging Facility

The Ministry of Cooperation inaugurated a new state-of-the-art packaging facility of National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The centre is dedicated to packaging pulses and organic products while maintaining high hygiene and quality standards. Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, called the facility a major milestone in promoting the Bharat Organics brand. The initiative aims to empower farmers and expand access to certified organic produce across India, while offering premium prices to farmers and affordable organic food to consumers. Un..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Adani Airport Seeks $750 Million Loan from Global Banks

Adani Group is in discussions for an offshore loan of up to $750 million for its airport arm, Adani Airport Holdings Limited, with international banks such as Barclays Plc, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, and Standard Chartered Bank Plc. The funds will support capital expenditure and repay dollar-denominated debt maturing in September. The deal is expected to conclude by early May. Adani Airport Holdings Limited operates seven major airports across India and is preparing to open a new international hub worth $two billion on the outskirts of Mumbai. This would be the Group’s second significant o..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?