Photo by
Yoav Dudkevitch/TPS on 8 August, 2023
Israel Expands Quotas for Foreign Workers
Jerusalem, 14 November, 2024 (TPS-IL) -- Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry announced a new quota allowing 6,400 foreign workers to join Israel’s trade and services sector on Wednesday aiming to address critical labor shortages in industries such as trade, garages, cleaning, and event halls.
“We are committed to helping the business sector and easing its burden during these difficult times. This additional quota provides businesses with essential tools to navigate current challenges and strengthen Israel’s trade and services sector. Our goal is to offer fast and efficient solutions for employers nationwide, ensuring the long-term growth of their operations,” said Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat.
The new quota is designed to provide greater employment flexibility while reducing reliance on Palestinian workers, a dependency that has grown over the past decades.
Israel has suffered losses of manpower and production since the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. Many foreign laborers opted to be repatriated after the outbreak of war, particularly impacting the agricultural and construction sectors. Israeli workers who might have filled labor gaps were called up for military reserve duty while Palestinian workers are currently banned as security risks.
The new quota, in collaboration with the Population and Immigration Authority, follows the recommendation of the CEO’s Committee on Foreign Workers’ Affairs.
“The labor shortage in the commerce and services sectors has worsened since the [war’s outbreak], leaving tens of thousands of positions vacant,” said Yair Albin, Director of the ministry’s Senior Division for Commerce and Services. “This quota will enable employers to quickly and efficiently fill these gaps. By introducing foreign personnel, businesses can better serve their customers and assess the broader impact on their operations.”
At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 97 remaining hostages, more than 30 have been declared dead.
