Title: Agricultural Sector in Israel Faces Severe Manpower Shortage Amidst Growing Security Concerns
Subtitle: Thai workers fleeing Gaza violence leaving Israel with thousands of vacant positions
Date: [current date]
In the midst of escalating violence and security concerns in the Gaza Strip, the agricultural sector in Israel is grappling with a significant shortage of manpower. Recent reports indicate that the number of Thai workers leaving Israel, due to fears for their safety, has reached alarming levels. As a result, thousands of agricultural and other professional positions have been left vacant.
Approximately 2,000 agricultural workers have already departed from Israel through the Thai embassy, while an additional 5,000 workers from various professions have also left the country. Even Arab workers, who are citizens of Israel, are reluctant to return to work due to concerns of potential harassment.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Ministry of Agriculture is taking active measures to address the mass exodus of workers and to encourage them to remain in Israel. In collaboration with the Population Authority and the Thai Embassy, the Ministry plans to automatically extend residence visas for Thai agricultural workers and others for an additional year. This provision allows those workers who choose to stay in Israel an opportunity to continue working for up to six years. The feasibility of extending the visas for a seventh year is also being explored.
Highlighting their commitment to supporting the farming community, Oren Lavi, the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the ministry’s dedication to providing accessible and expedient assistance. The Ministry is simultaneously exploring various avenues to address the manpower shortage in agriculture, including incentives and recruitment drives to attract as many workers as possible.
To entice existing workers to stay, immediate incentives of NIS 2,000 per month will be awarded to those employees who opt to continue working in the surrounding councils. Additionally, the Minister of Agriculture, Avi Dichter, recently held a meeting with the Vietnamese Ambassador in Israel to explore the possibility of recruiting new workers from Vietnam. Diplomatic contacts are also being initiated with other countries to absorb agricultural workers urgently.
In parallel, the Ministry of Agriculture is implementing swift measures to increase manpower in the agricultural sector. Incentives of NIS 2,000 will be provided for every new Israeli worker who joins the agricultural workforce across the country. Furthermore, a grant will be given to existing workers in the surrounding councils.
Recognizing the potential for volunteer workers to alleviate the shortage, the Ministry of Agriculture has pledged support to organizations that bring volunteers to work in agriculture. This support will encompass transportation, accommodation, food, and necessary escorts.
Similar to other industries such as the hotel sector, the ministry is actively exploring the introduction of workers from within Israel, subject to strict conditions. Women, men over 60, and individuals known to the farmers will be allowed to enter Israel upon approval from the security authorities.
The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to resolving the current crisis in the agricultural sector and ensuring the continuity of farming operations in Israel. With ongoing efforts to attract and manage a steady supply of workers, the ministry aims to safeguard food production and support the nation’s economy.
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