Recruitment of Skilled Workers for Israel

• 24 Jan 2024

For Prelims: National Skill Development Corporation, Israel, Emigration, International Labour Organisation, Trade unions

For Mains: International Practices for Protection of Migrant Workers, Concerns Related to Indian Working in War-torn Areas.

Source: TH

Why in News?

The governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), have initiated a large-scale recruitment drive to send approximately 10,000 workers to Israel, mainly for construction activities.

• While this endeavour is hailed as a "passport to dreams abroad" by the NSDC, it has faced significant opposition, primarily from trade unions, citing concerns about the violation of emigration rules.

What are the Employment Opportunities in Israel and Related Concerns?

• Lucrative Opportunities in Israel: There are openings in Israel: plastering workers, ceramic tile workers, iron bending and frame workers.
  • Selected candidates from India are promised monthly salaries of around ₹1.37 lakh (6,100 Israeli shekels).
  • As of February 2023, there were about 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, engaged in various professions such as caregiving, diamond trading, IT, and education.
• Concerns Raised by Trade Unions: Trade unions are challenging the employment drive, citing violations of the Emigration Act.
  • The Emigration Rules require workers going to conflict zones to register with the Ministry of External Affairs’ ‘e-migrate’ portal. However, Israel is not on this list.
  • Current Situation in Israel, particularly due to conflicts with Hamas, have raised concerns about the safety of migrant workers.
    • They argue that the move goes against the ethos of bringing back citizens from conflict zones and accuse the government of using unemployment for political gains.

Note

Workers going to conflict zones or places without sufficient labour protections are required to register with the Ministry of External Affairs’ ‘e-migrate’ portal.

• Passports issued under the ECR (Emigration Check Required) scheme cover workers travelling to 18 countries, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, the UAE, and Yemen. Israel is not on this list.

• International Practices for Protection of Migrant Workers:
  • The International practises for protection of migrant workers are governed by two conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO): the Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 and Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975.
    • While India has not ratified both conventions, Israel had ratified the 1949 convention in 1953.
    • The 1949 convention emphasised measures against misleading propaganda related to emigration and immigration.
• Additional Considerations: ILO predicts a global increase in unemployment in 2024. The report urges countries to design sensible migration policies and skilling initiatives to address the growing unemployment concerns.
  • In 2019, a parliamentary committee recommended the drafting of a migration policy, emphasising the need for enhanced institutional arrangements for the welfare of Indian emigrants.

Note

An unofficial method to work in foreign countries floated in the news recently, the Donkey Flight. It is an illegal immigration method used to enter countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

• It involves multiple stops and border crossings through various countries, often relying on human traffickers and agents.

Way Forward

• Address Trade Union Concerns: Engage in a constructive dialogue with trade unions to address their concerns and ensure transparency in the recruitment process.
• Enhance Safety Measures: Prioritise the safety and well-being of recruited workers by establishing robust safety protocols and contingency plans, especially considering the geopolitical challenges in Israel.
• Develop Comprehensive Migration Policy: Work towards drafting and implementing a comprehensive migration policy, taking into account the recommendations of the parliamentary committee, to ensure the welfare and protection of Indian emigrants in the long run.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q 1. Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea? (2015)

(a) Syria 
(b) Jordan 
(c) Lebanon 
(d) Israel

Ans: (b)

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Mains

Q . “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (2018)