File photo of Indian workers seeking recruitment for jobs in Israel during a recruitment drive in Lucknow. | Photo credit: AP

Israel is looking for up to 10,000 skilled Indian workers in its latest eight-day recruitment drive that is ongoing and will end on September 25 at Pune’s Industrial Training Institute, Ond.

Officials of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said the current round of recruitment is based on the initial drive launched in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana earlier this year.

“So far, around 4,800 Indian workers have already been posted in Israel, drawing a monthly salary of around Rs 1.32 lakh and a monthly bonus of Rs 16,000,” officials said.

An additional 1,500 workers in the first batch began their journey to Israel on September 18, taking the total number of skilled Indian professionals in Israel to over 5,000.

Israeli employers have increased their hiring targets, seeking 10,000 more candidates this round, officials added. “The focus remains on four key areas of expertise – framework, iron bending, plastering, and ceramic tiling,” he said.

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A delegation of 12 Israeli officials arrived in India on September 16 to oversee the recruitment efforts. “The recruitment is aimed at meeting Israel’s growing demand for skilled construction workers while providing international career opportunities to Indian workers,” the officials added.

The recruitment drive is a result of the Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement signed between India and Israel in November 2023. The Maharashtra government has provided infrastructure and logistical support to ITI Aundh, where Deputy Director and In-charge Joint Director Ramakant Bhavasar, along with his team, are helping the institute’s recruitment efforts.

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The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is responsible for preparing candidates for the technical and professional challenges faced in Israel.

This recruitment drive is seen as positioning India as a global supplier of skilled human resources in international markets.