The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Indian government’s recent travel advisory urged citizens to avoid traveling to Israel and Iran due to escalating tensions and the potential for conflict. This advisory was issued shortly after the first group of Indian construction workers departed for Israel, under a new government-to-government agreement aimed at filling labor shortages in the Israeli construction sector.
The agreement has faced criticism from Indian trade unions on moral, ethical, and security grounds, particularly regarding the wage disparities between Palestinian and Indian workers in Israel. Palestinians in similar roles reportedly earn about Rs 33,210 per day, while Indian workers typically earn between Rs 10,000 and 20,000 per month back home.
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, announced the departure of over 60 Indian workers on April 5 as part of this initiative to replace Palestinian labor, which has been restricted due to security measures following an attack by Hamas on October 7. The Israeli government and various stakeholders, including the Israel Builders Association, are looking to recruit between 50,000 and 100,000 Indian workers to stabilize their construction sector, heavily reliant on Palestinian labor.
The involvement of Indian workers in the Israeli construction industry is seen by many in India as problematic, particularly given the ongoing conflict and humanitarian issues in the region. Ten central trade unions in India have condemned the move, arguing it amounts to complicity with what they describe as Israel’s “genocidal war” against Palestinians, and have called for a boycott of Israeli products.
The issue also highlights broader implications for Indian workers abroad, particularly in conflict zones, where they face increased risks and ethical dilemmas. Approximately 18,000 Indians currently reside in Israel, mainly as caregivers and professionals in various sectors. The Indian government views the agreement as a means to provide global employment opportunities for its citizens, despite the controversies surrounding it.