The bad news is the Israeli government is most likely to halt import of Nepali labourers. It has already tightened visa procedures for the applicants aspiring to go there. Reportedly, Israeli officials have been receiving an increasing number of complaints regarding language difficulties and job proficiency level of Nepali caregivers and domestic workers, especially women, there. If Israel ultimately decides to totally stop importing Nepali labour, it will hurt the interests of a number of Nepali workers for whom Jerusalem has been a lucrative foreign employment destination. The local manpower agencies, on their part, say those going to Israel on personal initiative is causing the problem since they are often not properly trained.

To solve the current crisis, the ministry of labour and transport management must reach an understanding with the Israeli government. The Government of Nepal recently sent a fact-finding delegation to Israel. The group’s report may be expected to help resolve the problem. Also, Israel has requested Nepal government to open an embassy or at least send a labour attaché there. This should receive priority consideration. But the main effort should be directed towards turning the entire labour sector into a well-organised and vibrant one. Equal attention should be paid to improving training and orientation facilities for the labourers to suit the needs of the employers abroad.