- Sri Lanka is sending 29 new workers to Israel for caregiving jobs.
- The ticket handover ceremony took place on July 4 at SLBFE headquarters.
- 379 Sri Lankan caregivers have secured jobs in Israel in 2025 alone.
- A total of 2,269 Sri Lankans have been recruited for caregiving roles.
- Minister Bimal Rathnayake highlights economic risks of ending ties with Israel.
- A new consulate opened in Haifa to strengthen diplomatic relations.
New batch of Sri Lankan workers heading to Israel
Sri Lanka is sending a new group of 29 workers to Israel, specifically for the home-based caregiving sector. This move is part of an ongoing labor migration initiative that’s been encouraged by the Israeli government, making space for trained Sri Lankan caregivers to find employment. These workers are expected to leave this week, marking another step in a relationship that’s been growing steadily over the years.
Bilateral agreements bolster job opportunities for workers
The program, an outcome of a bilateral agreement between Sri Lanka and Israel, aims to facilitate employment opportunities in Israel’s domestic care sector. The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) hosted a ticket handover ceremony on July 4 to officially send off these workers. Last year alone, over 2,269 Sri Lankan nationals were recruited for caregiving roles in Israel, including 379 in 2025, each job intended to fill gaps left by Palestinian laborers due to the ongoing conflict.
Sri Lanka maintains strong diplomatic relations amid challenges
Despite international outcry concerning Israel’s actions in Gaza, Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its ties with Israel. Minister Bimal Rathnayake has emphasized the importance of this relationship by stating that severing ties could lead to economic collapse for Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the recent opening of a Sri Lankan consulate in Haifa signifies more than just employment; it signals deeper diplomatic discussions about trade in gems, jewellery, cinnamon, and agriculture, further entwining both countries economically and politically.
In summary, Sri Lanka’s export of labor to Israel, especially in caregiving, showcases an evolving economic relationship despite geopolitical tensions. The two nations have signed agreements facilitating significant job opportunities for Sri Lankans, reaffirming the commitment to mutual growth and cooperation. These developments, including the recent consulate opening, underscore a robust partnership that extends beyond labor into various sectors.
