Iran-Israel tensions cloud future of Indians hired for Israeli construction sites
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, even as experts questioned the government for allowing the recruitment at this time.
In an advisory issued on Friday evening, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asked all Indians “not to travel” to Iran or Israel until further notice, in view of escalating tensions between the two countries after Iran threatened reprisal for bombing of its consulate in Damascus, which was blamed on Israel.
At least 500 Indians, who were hired after a process facilitated by the National Skill Development Council (NSDC) along with Israel’s Population, Immigration and Border Author
A batch of over 60 workers who were flagged off to Israel on April 2 after a ceremony in Delhi.
ity (PIBA), have already flown to Israel since April 2, when the first group of 64 workers were flagged off in a ceremony hosted by the Israeli Embassy in Delhi. When asked, NSDC officials who facilitated the recruitment drive said that the advisory is for all citizens, and hence the process had witnessed a “temporary disruption”.
Unnaobased Satish Kumar, who was among a group of 325 Indians who were packed and ready to leave India on April 16, says he is anxiously following
news about developments in the region through social media chat groups.
“On Friday, we were informed that all plans had been put on hold until further notice, in view of the rising tensions,” he told The Hindu over the telephone from Unnao. “We have been assured that the ₹66,800 paid by us for flight tickets and other charges will not be lost, but I am very worried,” he added.