The Israeli government is recruiting over 16,000 agricultural workers from African countries to address a severe farm labor shortage brought on by the conflict with Hamas.
Kenya announced this week it will send 1,500 workers to Israel on renewable three-year contracts guaranteeing a monthly income of $1,500.
This comes after Malawi deployed 221 farm laborers last month, with plans to dispatch 5,000 more. Israel’s ambassador said Uganda and Tanzania are also being tapped to help fill positions.
The shortage stems partly from restrictions on Palestinian workers, who previously made up almost 20% of the agricultural workforce. Additionally, over 10,000 foreign workers, chiefly from Thailand, have exited Israel since fighting broke out in early October.
With over 300,000 military reservists called up, Israel’s agriculture ministry says the country urgently requires 30-40,000 farm hands.
The recruitment has proven controversial, given the ongoing violence and past abuse of migrant workers. Over 30 Thai nationals were killed when Hamas attacked farms where they worked.
Israeli authorities vow the African contractors will not work or live near combat zones and will have equal employment rights and safety protections. But critics question whether adequate safeguards will be enforced.
The promise of higher wages and steady work has overshadowed worries for job seekers like 27-year-old Malawian Andrew Chunga. “This is all about money. I am here for greener pastures,” he said.
Unemployed college graduate Alex from Lilongwe admitted safety is a concern but added, “We have been assured that the conflict has nothing to do with us.”
