Sri Lankan Workers Depart for Israel Amid Strengthening Ties
- A new group of 29 Sri Lankan workers is headed to Israel for caregiving positions this week.
- The SLBFE handed over air tickets to the selected caregivers on July 4.
- This program is supported by a bilateral agreement between Sri Lanka and Israel.
- Sri Lanka has sent thousands of workers to Israel, largely replacing Palestinian laborers.
- In 2025, 379 Sri Lankan caregivers have secured positions in Israel already.
- The government signed a memorandum allowing over 6,092 Sri Lankans jobs in construction this year.
- Sri Lanka opened a consulate in Haifa to strengthen diplomatic ties with Israel.
New batch of Sri Lankan caregivers heads to Israel
Sri Lankan workers continue to find opportunities in Israel’s growing caregiving sector as a new group prepares to depart for employment this week. This latest batch comprises 29 skilled caregivers who will be taking up positions in home-based care. The Israeli government is backing this move as part of a larger labor migration program that has been flourishing steadily over the years.
Bilateral agreement boosts job placements for caregivers
On July 4, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) ceremoniously presented air tickets to these selected workers at their headquarters. Such placements are possible due to a bilateral agreement facilitating job opportunities for Sri Lankan caregivers within Israel’s domestic care framework. Since the inception of this agreement, nearly 2,269 Sri Lankan nationals have been successfully placed in Israel’s caregiving sector, highlighting the ongoing demand in this field.
Economic ties remain strong amid tensions
Despite ongoing international criticism surrounding Israel’s actions, Sri Lanka has maintained robust ties with the nation, in part to fortify its economy. Minister Bimal Rathnayake previously emphasized the economic risks of severing connections with Israel, suggesting that it could lead to an economic downfall for Sri Lanka. Earlier this year, a memorandum was signed that allowed over 6,092 Sri Lankans to find work in the construction sector, demonstrating a broader commitment to cooperation between the nations. Moreover, Sri Lanka recently established a consulate in Haifa, which is set to advance discussions on various trade opportunities, from gems to agriculture, further sealing their diplomatic relationship.
The departure of Sri Lankan caregivers to Israel underscores the growing labor migration program supported by both governments. With thousands of workers employed in the caregiving and construction sectors, Sri Lanka’s ties to Israel remain crucial. Minister Bimal Rathnayake’s remarks highlight that these relationships are deemed vital for the island nation’s economic stability.
