Israel’s approach to migrant labour, particularly within the agricultural, care, and construction sectors, has faced challenges over the years. The country initially took significant steps in the 1990s to address issues arising from circular migration programs. These programs had allowed workers to come to Israel on temporary work visas, but with a range of problems, from illegal broker fees to restrictions on mobility that led to worker exploitation.
In response to legal challenges and rulings from Israel’s Supreme Court, the government took action to improve conditions. This included efforts to stop the illegal recruitment fees that migrant workers had to pay to brokers, which often led to debt bondage. Workers in certain sectors were also given the right to change employers within the country, providing more flexibility and protection. Over time, these measures led to better working conditions and a reduction in exploitation.
However, over the past several years, Israel’s commitment to protecting migrant workers has steadily declined. Unscrupulous recruitment practices have returned, with workers paying high fees to enter Israel through unofficial channels. These routes bypass the legal protections intended to safeguard the rights of workers, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. In the construction sector, for example, the relaxation of regulations has allowed foreign companies to employ migrants directly, often without adequate oversight, leading to a resurgence of unpaid wages and restricted mobility for workers.
The situation in the care sector is even more concerning. Despite the large number of migrant workers in this field, particularly women, Israel has failed to establish clear regulations to ensure their protection. Many workers still pay illegal broker fees to secure employment, sometimes as much as $25,000. These workers often find themselves trapped in difficult and abusive working conditions, with little recourse when things go wrong. This problem has been exacerbated by Israel’s increasing dependence on migrant labour to meet the needs of an aging population, which has made it more difficult to enforce proper recruitment practices.
Recent developments have further worsened the situation. The government’s decision to restrict Palestinian workers’ entry into Israel, following the Hamas attack in October 2023, has created a labour shortage. In response, Israel has loosened its requirements for recruiting migrant workers, leading to an increase in the use of unsupervised recruitment channels. Workers from countries like India are arriving under exploitative conditions, paying hefty fees and finding themselves in a similar position to their predecessors: working long hours in poor conditions with limited mobility.
One of the main problems with Israel’s migrant labour system is the lack of mobility for workers. While initial reforms allowed workers to change employers within a set period, these rights are now being undermined. Restrictions have been put in place that limit workers’ ability to find new employment, forcing them to stay with their original employer or face deportation. This has made it harder for workers to escape abusive employers or poor working conditions. In the agriculture sector, where some regulations remain in place, there are still issues with brokers and illegal recruitment practices, undermining the original goals of the reform.
In the construction industry, the situation is similarly problematic. Although licensed manpower companies were introduced to ensure that workers could move between contractors, many companies have found ways to bypass these regulations. Senior workers have become de facto brokers, facilitating the transfer of workers between companies without their knowledge or consent. This creates an environment where workers are left with little support and are at the mercy of contractors who often prioritize profits over workers’ rights.
Furthermore, Israel has never applied its protective measures to Palestinian workers, who make up a significant portion of the workforce in various sectors. These workers have long faced exploitative practices, including paying illegal broker fees, with little government intervention. Following the government’s decision to restrict Palestinian workers’ entry, this group of workers has become even more marginalized, with their protections effectively suspended.
Despite initial progress in improving migrant labour conditions, Israel is now backtracking on many of the gains that were made. The growing demand for cheap labour, coupled with the country’s liberal economic policies, has created a situation where workers’ rights are increasingly neglected. Instead of preventing exploitation, Israel is relying on a reactive approach, addressing issues only when workers file complaints. However, due to the fear of retaliation, many workers do not report abuses, leaving them vulnerable to continued exploitation.
The future of Israel’s circular migration programs is uncertain. If current trends continue, there is a real possibility that these programs will return to the court system for further scrutiny. The government’s failure to protect migrant workers raises serious questions about the country’s commitment to fair labour practices. It is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that migrant workers are not exploited and that their rights are upheld.