Israel and India Agree to Add 50,000 Indian Workers Over Five Years

Israel and India have taken another significant step in deepening their partnership, agreeing to allow an additional 50,000 Indian citizens to work in Israel over the next five years.

The announcement, released by Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal as part of a “List of 27 Outcomes” following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, reflects growing economic and strategic cooperation between the two democracies.

The new framework will expand Indian workers’ access to jobs in Israel’s manufacturing and food service sectors, in addition to roles in construction and agriculture. It marks a practical response to labor shortages while reinforcing the broader India–Israel alliance.

The agreement comes at a pivotal time for Israel’s economy.

Following the October 7 attacks, Israel’s labor market faced sudden disruption. Entry permits for workers from Gaza and the West Bank were drastically reduced due to security concerns, and many foreign workers left the country amid the violence. Entire sectors particularly construction, agriculture, and hospitality were left scrambling to fill urgent gaps.

Before October 2023, roughly 100,000 Palestinians were employed in Israel. That number has since dropped to approximately 8,000 under tightened security restrictions. As Israel recalibrates its workforce policy, it has increasingly turned to foreign labor partnerships to ensure stability and continuity in key industries.

According to data from the Population and Immigration Authority, nearly 61,000 new work permits were issued to foreign workers in 2025 alone. The total number of foreign workers in Israel has now reached more than 227,000, employed not only in traditional sectors such as construction and agriculture, but also in caregiving, services, trade, and renovation.

The agreement with India is part of that broader strategy.

India, with its vast skilled and semi-skilled workforce, has emerged as a reliable partner. Indian workers are already present in Israeli construction sites, agricultural communities, and healthcare facilities. The new agreement formalizes and expands that presence in a structured, long-term framework.

The labor accord was one of many outcomes from Modi’s high-profile visit to Jerusalem, during which he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed memorandums of understanding across a wide spectrum of fields: agriculture, geophysical exploration, heritage, science, education, economy, cyber, technology, security, and artificial intelligence.

Together, these agreements demonstrate that the India–Israel relationship is not limited to defense and diplomacy. It extends deeply into economic development and people-to-people ties.

For Israel, diversifying its workforce strengthens national resilience and reduces overreliance on any single labor source. For India, the agreement provides employment opportunities abroad while reinforcing its growing global footprint.

The expansion of Indian workers in Israel also reflects mutual trust. Both governments have committed to ensuring proper oversight and protections within the labor framework, while meeting urgent economic needs.

In sectors like construction, where staffing shortages had slowed projects, the additional workforce is expected to accelerate recovery and growth. Restaurants, factories, and service providers are likewise poised to benefit from a more stable labor supply.

As Israel continues to rebuild and adapt in the aftermath of October 7, partnerships such as this one highlight the country’s ability to pivot, innovate, and strengthen alliances even in challenging times.

The agreement is another reminder that the bond between Jerusalem and New Delhi is not only strategic but practical built on shared interests, economic cooperation, and mutual benefit.

Israel continues to expand partnerships that drive growth and stability. Share this story and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on Israel’s strengthening global alliances and economic progress.