Israel Seeks Uzbek Labor Force to Address Construction Worker Shortage
Israel Plans to Recruit Uzbekistan Laborers to Fill Construction Workforce Gaps
In a strategic move to address the significant shortage of construction workers caused by the expulsion of Palestinian workers, Israel has announced plans to bring in 65,000 foreign laborers from countries including India, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan. The security concerns following an attack by the HAMAS movement in 2023 led to the departure of approximately 72,000 Palestinian workers, resulting in a near-halving of operational construction sites across the country.
The shortage of skilled labor has caused considerable disruptions in ongoing construction projects, prompting the Israeli government to look for alternative sources of manpower. With only 20,000 foreign workers currently in the construction sector, the arrival of the new contingent of laborers is expected in the coming weeks.
The move marks a significant shift in the nation’s construction workforce, as Israel seeks to fill the void left by the departure of Palestinian workers with laborers from other countries. This response reflects the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region and the nation’s agile approach to addressing labor market challenges.
The influx of foreign workers, particularly from Uzbekistan, is expected to provide much-needed support to the construction industry, enabling the resumption and progression of stalled projects. The move is also expected to have a positive impact on the overall economy, contributing to the growth and development of Israel’s construction sector.
