The recruitment of Sri Lankan workers for employment in Israel will be carried out exclusively through Government-to-Government (G-to-G) agreements from January 1, 2027, following a new policy decision by the Israeli government.
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) announced that the decision had been communicated by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel.
Accordingly, the existing recruitment programme for jobs in Israel through licensed foreign employment agencies will end on December 31, 2026.
The new policy will apply to all employment sectors, including construction, industrial, commerce and services, where private recruitment agencies were previously permitted to recruit Sri Lankan workers.
The SLBFE stated that official details regarding the new recruitment mechanism for 2027, including recruitment quotas and selection procedures, have not yet been announced.
In this regard, the Bureau has urged individuals seeking employment in Israel to remain cautious of promises made by private recruitment agencies or individuals offering job opportunities.
The SLBFE has advised job seekers not to make payments to any individual or licensed foreign employment agency claiming to provide employment opportunities in Israel.
It has also instructed prospective applicants to refrain from participating in skills tests, interviews or other recruitment procedures organised by private agencies until further official instructions are issued.
The Bureau further requested the public to rely only on official announcements issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism and the SLBFE.
Meanwhile, individuals who have already made lawful payments for employment opportunities in Israel have been advised not to be unnecessarily concerned.
The SLBFE stated that it has requested information from licensed foreign employment agencies regarding individuals who have already made such payments and will determine the next steps based on the information received.
It clarified that affected individuals are not required to submit their details separately at present, as further instructions will be communicated officially.
However, those wishing to report suspected fraud or other specific issues may continue to lodge complaints through the Bureau’s existing complaints mechanism.
The SLBFE added that it is coordinating with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel and relevant Israeli authorities to safeguard the interests and welfare of Sri Lankan job seekers. (Newswire)