IranIsrael crisis clouds plans for Indian workers

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, that the delay is temporary, but I am very worried,” he added, explaining that he had taken a loan from a relative to pay for all the expenses ahead of the trip.

According to the terms offered by the Israeli agency, the workers are expected to travel at their own expense and will only receive contracts once they land in Tel Aviv. A sample contract available on the PIBA website seen by The Hindu details that insurance, accommodation, and food will be arranged by employers but their costs will be deducted from workers’ salaries.

“Now, with uncertainty looming, we feel we are at a crossroads,” Mr. Kumar added.

‘Poor planning’

K.C. Singh, a former Ambassador to Iran and the United Arab Emirates, said the Union government’s actions “reflected poorly” on its planning for this eventuality. “The government has known for several months about tensions in the region. If an advisory was in the works, how morally justified was it to send workers there at this time?” he asked, in comments to The Hindu. About 18,000 Indians live in Israel at present, working or pursuing their studies there.