Context

In a recent development, the state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), have initiated the recruitment process for sending approximately 10,000 skilled workers to Israel, primarily for construction activities. The move has sparked controversy and opposition from trade unions, raising concerns about the deployment of Indian workers to a region experiencing conflict. This article delves into the reasons behind the recruitment, the objections raised by trade unions, the government's stance, compliance with international labour standards, and the broader context of global migration trends.

 Recruitment Drive and Controversy

The NSDC, through its website, promotes the opportunity as a "passport to dreams abroad," offering skilled workers a chance to "discover new horizons in Israel." The recruitment drive targets specific roles, including plastering workers, ceramic tile workers, iron bending workers, and frame workers, with monthly salaries of approximately ₹1.37 lakh (6,100 Israeli shekels). Screenings for potential recruits have commenced in various locations in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh with the support of state governments.

Opposition from Trade Unions

Trade unions have vehemently opposed this initiative, citing violations of Emigration Rules under the Emigration Act. They argue that the deployment of workers to conflict zones contradicts the Indian ethos of ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. Accusations have been made that the current government is exploiting unemployment issues to bolster its political interests and align with Israel, a move perceived by some as driven by a "politics of hate." Despite objections, hundreds of individuals have shown up at screening centers, indicating a complex public sentiment on the matter.

Emigration Rules and Compliance

According to Emigration Rules under the Emigration Act, workers bound for conflict zones or places lacking adequate labour protections are required to register on the Ministry of External Affairs' 'e-migrate' portal. Notably, Israel is not on the list of countries covered by the Emigration Check Required (ECR) scheme, which includes nations like Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, and others. The recruitment process for Israel bypasses the 'e-migrate' system, raising concerns about the adequacy of protections for workers in the region.

The Rules also stipulate that recruiting agents cannot collect service charges exceeding ₹30,000 from workers. However, in this case, workers are expected to pay fees to the NSDC and cover expenses such as flight tickets, amounting to nearly ₹1 lakh. Trade unions argue that such paid recruitment in a conflict zone, facilitated by governments, violates the Emigration Act's provisions.

In defense, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, has expressed satisfaction with Israel's labour standards. Describing Israel as an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) country, he emphasized the robustness and strictness of Israel's labour laws, asserting that they provide protection for migrant and labour rights. The government claims to be conscientious about ensuring the security and safety of Indian citizens working abroad.

International Labour Standards and Practices

The protection of migrant workers on the international stage is guided by two conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO): the Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 97), and Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143). While India has not ratified these conventions, Israel ratified the 1949 convention in 1953.

The 1949 convention emphasizes the responsibility of member countries to take appropriate steps against misleading propaganda related to emigration and immigration. The controversy surrounding the deployment of Indian workers to Israel brings into question the adherence to these international standards, particularly given the ongoing conflict in the region. The Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, Doron Spielman, highlighting the lack of safety in Israel due to conflicts with Hamas, adds another layer of complexity to the debate.

Notably, estimates suggest that around 100 individuals who lost their lives in Gaza were migrant workers from Asian and African countries. As of February 2023, there were approximately 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, engaged in various occupations such as caregivers, diamond traders, IT professionals, and students, according to the Indian Embassy website.

Note – A 2017 report prepared by the ILO indicates a significant growth in international migration over the past two decades, with the number of migrants from Asia to Arab states more than tripling from 5.7 million in 1990 to 19 million in 2015. 

●      The ILO's’ World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024’ report predicts a global increase in unemployment rates for the year, even as joblessness and the jobs gap have improved compared to pre-pandemic levels. The report highlights the persistent challenge of growing social inequalities. While acknowledging the demographic transition that many low- and middle-income countries will undergo after 2030, the report emphasizes the need for these nations to develop sensible migration policies and skilling initiatives. This approach aims to support and cultivate local labor markets in response to expanding populations.

●      The report suggests that addressing these challenges requires a more accurate forecast of labor demand by occupations and sectors in destination countries. Additionally, it underscores the importance of strengthening education and training systems in countries with excess labor resources. By doing so, the report contends, countries can better equip themselves to navigate the demographic shifts and support their growing populations.

●      In 2019, the Parliament Standing Committee on External Affairs, led by MP Shashi Tharoor, urged the Centre to formulate a migration policy. The committee expressed concerns about the existing institutional arrangements for the protection, safety, and welfare of Indian emigrants, citing inadequate data infrastructure as a key issue. This call for a migration policy aligns with the ILO's recommendations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to address the challenges posed by global unemployment trends and demographic transitions.