Israel to recruit Sri Lankan workers only through G-to-G scheme from 2027

Daily Mirror, Newswire, Ada Derana and Ada Derana (සිංහල) report that Israel plans to recruit Sri Lankan workers only through government-to-government agreements from January 1, 2027. Daily Mirror and Newswire attribute the announcement to Sri Lanka’s Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE); Newswire says the bureau was informed through the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel.

Newswire reports that the current programme allowing licensed foreign employment agencies to recruit Sri Lankan workers for Israel will end on December 31, 2026. The change is due to apply across construction, industrial, commerce and services jobs, including sectors where private agencies were previously allowed to recruit, according to Newswire.

Newswire reports that the SLBFE has not yet announced the new system’s recruitment quotas or selection procedures. The bureau has advised people seeking work in Israel not to pay individuals or licensed agencies promising jobs, and not to participate in agency-organised skills tests, interviews or other recruitment activities until further official instructions are issued.

Newswire says the SLBFE urged job seekers to rely on announcements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism and the bureau. For people who have already made lawful payments, the bureau said they need not be unnecessarily concerned; it has requested information from licensed agencies about those payments and will decide on next steps after receiving it.