Introduction

The governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), have initiated the recruitment of around 10,000 workers for employment in Israel, primarily for construction roles.
These workers are being recruited to address employment challenges and offer an opportunity for overseas employment.

Labour Laws: International Practices

ILO Conventions: International labor standards are governed by conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
India’s Non-Ratification: India has not ratified these conventions, while Israel ratified the Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949, in 1953.
Action against Misleading Propaganda: The 1949 convention calls for action against misleading propaganda related to emigration and immigration.

Registration Requirement: Workers going to conflict zones or regions lacking sufficient labor protections are required to register on the Ministry of External Affairs’ ‘e-migrate’ portal.
Exclusion of Israel: However, Israel is not on the list of countries covered by this requirement, despite ongoing violence in certain areas.

Conflict Zone Concerns: Central trade unions argue that sending workers to a region of conflict goes against the principles of bringing back citizens from such zones.
Political Motivation: They assert that the government’s move is politically motivated and aimed at pleasing Israel.
Service Charges: Trade unions highlight that the Emigration Act prohibits the collection of service charges exceeding ₹30,000 from workers.
High Recruitment Costs: In the case of recruitment for Israel, workers are required to pay a significant fee to the NSDC, as well as cover other expenses, adding up to nearly ₹1 lakh.
Violating Emigration Act: This paid recruitment in a conflict zone facilitated by governments is seen as a violation of the Emigration Act, 1983.

ILO’s Outlook: The ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024 report highlights rising global unemployment rates in 2024.
Migration Policy: Countries are urged to design sensible migration policies and skill development initiatives to support and develop local labor markets.
Education and Training: Strengthened education and training systems are also recommended in countries with growing labor resources.

The recruitment of workers for employment in Israel has sparked legal concerns and opposition from trade unions.
These concerns center on the Emigration Rules, paid recruitment in a conflict zone, and the need for strengthened labor protections.
International labor standards and the demographic transition of countries with excess labor resources are important considerations in the context of overseas employment.