Israel jobs for Sri Lankans only through government agreements from January 2027

Newswire reports that Israel has decided Sri Lankans seeking work there will be recruited solely through agreements between the two governments starting January 1, 2027. The SLBFE said the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel relayed the policy.

Newswire says the current route, under which licensed private agencies recruit Sri Lankan workers for Israeli jobs, is due to close on December 31, 2026. The replacement policy will apply across construction, industrial, commerce and services work, along with other employment sectors.

Newswire reports that the SLBFE has not yet received official details on the 2027 recruitment system, including the number of positions available or how applicants will be selected. The Bureau advised prospective workers not to pay individuals or licensed agencies promising Israeli employment and to avoid private recruiters’ tests, interviews or other selection activities while awaiting further official guidance.

Newswire says the SLBFE asked job seekers to follow notices from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism and the Bureau itself. People who have already made lawful payments were told not to be unduly alarmed, according to Newswire; the SLBFE has asked licensed agencies for information about those individuals and will decide on next steps after reviewing the responses.