In recent discussions surrounding labor recruitment between India and Israel, FairSquare director Nicholas McGeehan has expressed concern over a potential agreement. According to McGeehan, the Indian government should refrain from entering any pact with Israel that might involve replacing Palestinian workers from Gaza and the West Bank with Indian nationals.
The proposal under consideration involves the recruitment of Indian migrant workers to meet the labor demands in Israel. While such agreements are not uncommon on the global stage, McGeehan’s apprehensions stem from the potential displacement of Palestinian workers in the process.
As of November 1, the Israeli Builder Association has unveiled plans to bring in a substantial number of Indian workers, potentially reaching 100,000, to fill the void left by Palestinian workers. The latter had their work permits in Israel abruptly revoked following the October 7 attacks. Disturbingly, during this period, numerous individuals faced unlawful detention in Israel, with serious allegations of abuse, including torture. The United Nations human rights experts have since issued a stark warning about the potential risk of genocide against the Palestinian people.
On November 9, a representative from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs responded, noting that Israel had not presented any specific request. Nevertheless, the spokesperson indicated India’s openness to such an arrangement, emphasizing that any potential initiative, if pursued, would be of a long-term nature.
The Israeli job market has seen an increasing demand for foreign workers in various sectors, including agriculture, construction, and healthcare. As a response to this demand, there have been discussions between Indian and Israeli authorities about the possibility of employing Indian nationals to fill these positions.
In 2022, as per the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 193,000 Palestinians were employed in Israel and settlements in the West Bank. Notably, 57.3% of this workforce was engaged in the construction sector. The UN Security Council characterizes these settlements as a blatant violation of international law, constituting a significant impediment to the realization of a two-state solution and hindering the prospects of achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace.
Nicholas McGeehan, who serves as the director of FairSquare, a non-profit organization advocating for human rights, particularly in conflict zones, emphasizes the need for caution. According to him, the Indian government should refrain from participating in any agreement that might indirectly contribute to the replacement of Palestinian workers, especially from sensitive regions like Gaza and the West Bank.
This perspective raises ethical and political questions, as the situation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is already complex. Critics argue that the recruitment of Indian workers could inadvertently contribute to the economic displacement of Palestinians, exacerbating existing tensions.
Proponents of the proposal argue that such agreements could foster economic cooperation between India and Israel, providing job opportunities for Indian citizens while meeting the labor demands of the Israeli economy. However, balancing economic interests with ethical considerations remains a challenge.
Several prominent trade unions in India, including the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), and Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), have released a collective statement urging India to refrain from sending any workers to Israel. According to the unions, such a move would be considered as “complicity” with Israel’s illicit actions.
As discussions unfold, it is crucial for both India and Israel to address the concerns raised by FairSquare and other human rights advocates. Transparency in the negotiation process and a commitment to upholding international labor standards will be essential in mitigating potential negative consequences.
The broader question emerges of how countries should navigate international labor agreements in politically sensitive regions. Striking a balance between economic cooperation and respecting the rights and well-being of local populations is a delicate task. The global community will be closely watching how India and Israel proceed in their discussions and whether they can find a mutually beneficial solution that respects the rights of all parties involved.
FairSquare is a non-governmental organisation that works at the nexus of authoritarianism, sport, and labour migration.
