The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has called on Sri Lankans to register for construction jobs in Israel, even as the country intensifies military operations across Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, and Syria.
An official announcement on the government Department of Information's website on Thursday urged skilled workers - specifically wire benders, tile masons, shuttering carpenters, and plaster masons between the ages of 25 and 44 with valid passports - to apply immediately. In addition to construction roles, the SLBFE has also advertised job opportunities in Israel’s hotel and agricultural sectors.
The timing of this recruitment drive has raised alarm given the volatile situation in Israel, where continued airstrikes and military engagements are causing heightened insecurity. Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan have expressed concerns about the increasing likelihood of a full-scale regional war.
Israel's economy, already strained by its ongoing war, is experiencing significant pressure, with local reports indicating a notable downturn. Historically, the country has relied on foreign workers to sustain key industries. Nevertheless, concerns over the treatment of migrant labourers have persisted for years, with Human Rights Watch reporting ongoing abuses, even during times of relative stability.
Amid ongoing instability in the region, the recent appeal for labour has sparked concerns among observers about whether the Sri Lankan government is prioritising economic opportunities over the safety of its citizens.
