Foreign Workers’ Rights Hang in the Balance as Construction Industry Faces Crisis

The Histadrut and The Contractors Association have issued a joint urgent appeal to the government to take action as a disagreement between manpower agencies and the government over fees has led to the non-renewal of work permits for foreign workers, leaving thousands of jobs hanging in the balance.

Thousands of construction sites across Israel are on the brink of closure as a dispute over work permits for foreign laborers threatens to bring the industry to a standstill. A disagreement between manpower agencies and the Israeli government over fees has led to the non-renewal of work permits for foreign workers, leaving thousands of jobs hanging in the balance.

The crisis stems from a dispute between manpower agencies that supply foreign workers to the construction sector and the Population and Immigration Authority. The agencies argue that they should not be held responsible for fees incurred during the initial months of the recent conflict when work was halted. However, the government insists on the payment of these fees, leading to the denial of permit renewals.

The potential consequences of this impasse are dire. The sudden loss of employment for thousands of foreign workers would have significant social and economic repercussions. Moreover, their legal status in the country will be compromised. Looking at the impact on the construction industry, a cornerstone of Israel’s economic growth, it could face severe disruptions, impacting ongoing projects, delaying housing developments, and potentially leading to job losses for Israeli workers as well. Moreover,

Arnon Bar David, the Chairman of The Histadrut and Raul Srugo, Chairman of the Contractors Association have issued a joint urgent appeal to the government to intervene and resolve the dispute immediately. The letter expresses deep concern over the impending crisis. “The non-renewal of work permits for numerous manpower agencies in the construction sector poses a grave threat to the livelihoods of many foreign workers and the stability of the industry,” they wrote.

The Histadrut hopes that the government will prioritize this issue and find a solution that addresses the concerns for the foreign workers rights and livelihoods, and for the construction industry needs to maintain its stability and continue to thrive.