Recruitment of Sri Lankans for Employment in Israel to Continue
30-Oct-2026.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel has informed the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment that, under a new policy decision of the Israeli Government, the recruitment of Sri Lankans for employment in Israel will be carried out exclusively under government-to-government agreements with effect from 1 January.
Accordingly, the existing Israeli employment recruitment programme conducted through licensed private foreign employment agencies will come to an end on 31 December. The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment has stated that official information regarding the new recruitment system to be implemented in 2027, including recruitment quotas and selection procedures, has not yet been released.
Previously, private-sector recruitment through licensed foreign employment agencies was permitted for employment in Israel in the construction, industrial, commercial and services sectors.
The Bureau has therefore urged jobseekers to exercise caution regarding promises made by private parties to secure employment in Israel, whether in these sectors or in any other sector.
Those seeking employment in Israel have also been advised not to pay money to any individual or licensed foreign employment agency claiming that they can secure jobs in the country.
Until an official announcement is issued by the Bureau, members of the public have been advised to refrain from participating in skills assessments, interviews or other selection procedures conducted by private parties for employment in Israel. They have also been instructed to rely only on official announcements issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Individuals who have already made payments lawfully for employment in Israel need not be unduly concerned, as the Bureau is expected to issue official instructions on the next steps shortly.
The Bureau has requested information from licensed foreign employment agencies regarding individuals who have already made such lawful payments. Further action will be taken on the basis of the information received, according to a statement issued by the Bureau.
