In a bid to address the labor shortage in Israel, the Uttar Pradesh government under CM Yogi Adityanath has announced a golden opportunity for construction workers, offering a monthly wage of Rs 1.25 lakh along with a bonus fund of Rs 15,000. However, the catch is that workers will need to relocate to Israel for the duration of their employment, However it has very complex terms and conditions.
The initiative, launched through the Government of India’s National Skill Development Mission, aims to fill positions for various construction-related roles, including raj mistri, tiles workers, shuttering workers, and those involved in netting. The move comes after an agreement between India and Israel in May, where 42,000 Indian workers, including 34,000 construction workers, were planned to be sent to Israel.
According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh government’s call for workers is part of a broader effort to address the labor shortage exacerbated by the ongoing conflict with Palestine. Israel has canceled the work permits of Palestinians, leading to a significant shortfall in available workers.
The Haryana government also joined the initiative by issuing a similar advertisement for 10,000 openings on December 15. However, the move faced opposition from political rivals.
The Uttar Pradesh government has outlined specific conditions for applicants, including proficiency in at least one required skill, possession of a valid passport, and a mandatory contract ranging from one to five years. Applicants must be between 21 and 45 years old and are responsible for funding their travel to and from Israel. Additionally, the applicant or any family member should not have worked in Israel before.
Despite the seemingly lucrative offer, concerns have been raised about the terms of employment. A BBC report highlights that workers will not receive monthly salaries directly; instead, the money will be deposited into their bank accounts but only disbursed with interest at the end of the contract, which may last three to five years. This raises significant challenges for workers who must cover their own accommodation, rent, and medical expenses without a regular monthly income.
Furthermore, the report suggests that workers will not receive medical benefits, and they are required to bear accommodation and medical expenses out of their own pockets. This unique payment structure raises questions about the practicality and sustainability of the arrangement, as workers may face financial hardships without regular monthly income to meet their immediate needs.
As the Uttar Pradesh government seeks to address labor shortages in Israel, the initiative has sparked a debate over the viability of such employment opportunities and the welfare of the workers involved. The concerns about the lack of monthly salaries and additional expenses place a spotlight on the potential challenges faced by those considering this overseas employment opportunity.
