Sri Lanka's Workers in Israel Receive Visa Extension Amid Ongoing Unrest

Strategic Insights -

The ongoing unrest in Israel has led the Israeli Immigration and Emigration Authority (PIBA) to extend the visa period of Sri Lankan workers, allowing them to remain in the country until September 30. This measure affects approximately 20,000 Sri Lankans employed in Israel, mainly in caregiving and agricultural sectors. The Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of its nationals, while the government is prepared to repatriate workers if the situation worsens.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Israeli Immigration and Emigration Authority (PIBA) has extended the visa period of Sri Lankan workers by three months, allowing them to remain in Israel until September 30.
  • Approximately 20,000 Sri Lankans are employed in Israel, mostly in caregiving and agricultural sectors.
  • The visa extension applies not only to Sri Lankan nationals but also to other foreign workers residing in Israel under similar visa categories.
  • The Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of its nationals.
  • The Sri Lankan government has expressed its readiness to repatriate workers if the situation deteriorates further.
  • Plans are in place to facilitate the return of Sri Lankan workers who have already applied to leave Israel, potentially through transit arrangements with other countries.
  • The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has temporarily halted the deployment of new Sri Lankans to Israel.

Statistics:

  • 20,000: The approximate number of Sri Lankan workers employed in Israel.
  • 3 months: The duration of the visa extension for Sri Lankan workers.
  • 30 September: The new expiration date for the visa period of Sri Lankan workers in Israel.
  • Caregiving and agricultural sectors: The primary employment sectors of Sri Lankan workers in Israel.

Sources:

  • Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE)
  • Israeli Immigration and Emigration Authority (PIBA)
  • Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
  • Daily Mirror Sri Lanka (with permission from HT Digital Content Services)