**Summary:**
In response to a parliamentary question regarding the safety and well-being of Indian workers in Israel, the Ministry of External Affairs provided the following information. A bilateral framework agreement between India and Israel, initiated in 2022 and formalized in November 2023, ensures Indian workers have access to safe, orderly, regulated, and legal migration to Israel. The agreement stipulates equal labor rights for Indian workers, comparable to Israeli citizens, including provisions for lodging, medical insurance, and social security coverage.
As of July 1, 2025, 6,774 Indian workers had been deployed to Israel under this agreement, primarily in the construction sector (6,730 workers) with a smaller number employed as caregivers (44 workers). These workers are recruited by Israeli authorities and assigned to 195 Israeli companies. Compensation is determined by individual contracts, adhering to Israeli government regulations for minimum wage.
The Indian Embassy in Israel maintains contact with the workers, conducting regular consular visits to monitor their safety and welfare. A 24-hour helpline is available to provide assistance to Indian nationals in Israel. While some grievances regarding job placement discrepancies have been reported and addressed with Israeli authorities, approximately 220 workers have returned to India, mainly due to skill mismatch and language barriers. The government did not explicitly state whether the scheme would continue, but noted reports citing concerns regarding labor law violations against such workers.
Key Entities Referenced
Israel: A country in the Middle East, destination for Indian workers as part of a bilateral agreement.
Indian workers: Citizens of India working in Israel, primarily in the construction sector and as caregivers.
Ministry of External Affairs: The Indian government ministry responsible for India's foreign relations.
Framework Agreement: A bilateral agreement between India and Israel to facilitate the migration of Indian workers to Israel.
Embassy of India in Israel: The diplomatic mission of India in Israel, responsible for the welfare and safety of Indian citizens in Israel.
SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH: The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs who provided the answer to the parliamentary question.
India: The country of origin for the workers mentioned in the policy text.
Israeli companies: Companies in Israel that employ Indian workers under the bilateral Framework Agreement.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2202
ANSWERED ON – 01/08/2025
SAFETY OF INDIAN WORKERS IN ISRAEL
2202. DR. GUMMA THANUJA RANI
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) the measures undertaken for the safety of Indian workers sent to
Israel to meet its labour shortage because of the ensuing conflict;
(b) the details of such workers including the nature of employment,
names of employers and the wages drawn by them;
(c) whether the Government has a plan to provide safe passage to
India for those who do not wish to continue working thereof, if so,
the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government will continue with the scheme in the
future, especially with the recent reports citing concerns regarding
labour law violations against such workers, if so, the details thereof
and if not, the reasons therefor?
1ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a to d) In 2022, India and Israel commenced negotiations on a
bilateral framework agreement for Indian nationals to gain access to
Israel through safe, orderly, regulated and legal migration. As per
the Framework Agreement and Implementation Protocols signed
with Israel in November 2023, Indian workers shall enjoy equal
treatment, with respect to labour rights, similar to Israeli citizens,
and shall be provided with proper lodging, medical insurance, and
relevant social security coverage.
Under the bilateral Framework Agreement, 6774 Indian workers had
arrived in Israel for work as on 01 July 2025. They have been
recruited by Israeli authorities, who then assign selected applicants
with 195 Israeli companies to work in Israel. This includes 6730
Indian nationals in construction sector and 44 Indian nationals
employed as caregivers. They are paid as per the contract signed
and are entitled to the minimum wage, as per Israel government
regulations.
2Embassy of India in Israel is in contact with the Indian workers and
organizes frequent consular visits to ensure their safety and well
being. The Embassy has established a 24-hour helpline for the
assistance of Indians in Israel. Some workers had reached out with
their grievances for not being placed in the jobs they were assured.
These grievances were taken up with relevant authorities in Israel
who have resolved the matter. Around 220 Indian workers have
returned to India primarily due to skill mismatch and language
barriers.
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