Foreign workers exploited as 'Israelis' consider leaving

• Foreign workers in 'Israel' face worsening exploitation and harsh living conditions, intensified after October 7, 2023.
• Rising insecurity prompts nearly three-quarters of 'Israeli' workers to consider leaving the country.

Since October 2023, foreign laborers in 'Israel' have faced mounting rights violations, harsh working conditions, and systematic exploitation by some employers.

Labor shortage drives reliance on foreign workers

Following the closure of borders to Palestinian workers from Gaza and the West Bank, 'Israel' confronted a sharp decline in available labor, threatening vital economic sectors. In response, authorities increasingly turned to foreign workers to fill the gap.

Read more: 32% of 'Israelis' say they need mental health support following two years of war

Current figures from the 'Israel' Population and Immigration Authority show approximately 227,000 foreign workers reside in the country, including both legal residents and undocumented laborers. Of these, more than 40,000 entered through private companies without formal permits. Since the war began, 116,117 foreign workers have arrived, with 2025 alone accounting for over half of that total.

Foreign labor spans critical sectors

Foreign workers now underpin several key industries:

• Domestic care: 80,884 workers
• Construction and renovation: 73,432
• Agriculture: 48,908
• Industry: 5,338
• Trade and services: 5,024
• Nursing institutions: 2,364
• Hotels: 2,824
• Restaurants: 1,006
• Specialists including chefs: 6,279

The distribution highlights how deeply 'Israel' relies on foreign labor, especially following the ban on Palestinian workers within the Green Line.

Exploitation and legal gaps

'Israeli' outlet Ynet said that the situation for foreign workers has deteriorated since the Gaza war. The sharp increase in foreign labor has fueled exploitation, forcing many to work under harsh conditions and live in substandard housing.

Read more: Desperate for soldiers: ‘Israel’ considered recruiting children of foreign workers

Despite documented abuses, law enforcement agencies have largely failed to safeguard foreign workers’ rights. The advocacy group Kav LaOved has filed cases with the 'Israel' Supreme Court against government policies that allow unregulated employment agencies to recruit foreign labor, noting that the lack of oversight facilitates exploitation.

Official records show 60 cases of human trafficking linked to foreign workers recruited through private agencies between October 7, 2023, and the end of 2025, underscoring the urgent need for stronger oversight and legal protections.

Rising concerns among 'Israeli' workers

The labor crisis coincides with growing unease among 'Israeli' employees. A recent survey by the recruitment platform AllJobs, reported by Ynet, found that 73% of 'Israeli' workers are considering moving abroad, a sharp 18% increase from last year. This is the first time in five years that more than 70% have expressed interest in leaving, even temporarily.

Traditional motivations like improving quality of life (59%), gaining international experience (48%), and career advancement (38%) remain significant. However, new factors such as personal safety (30%), political instability (24%), and disappointment with the state (24%) are increasingly driving the trend.

Liat Ben Torah Shushan, vice president for professional development at AllJobs, said: "We are seeing a radical shift in how employees view relocation. It is no longer just a strategic career decision but increasingly driven by emotional, security, and economic considerations."

The United States remains the top destination, with 44% naming it as their preferred country. New York is most popular (17%), followed by Los Angeles (11%) and Miami (8%). Europe attracted 26%, down from previous years, possibly reflecting concerns over rising anti-Semitism and demographic shifts. Other destinations include Greece and Cyprus (11%), Australia and New Zealand (6%), East Asia (8%), and Africa (1%).

Despite interest in relocation, 56% of respondents said the process is far from easy, reflecting the practical challenges of moving abroad. The survey included 611 'Israeli' workers aged 22 and older from across the country.

Outlook

The ongoing reliance on foreign labor in 'Israel' is expected to expand into additional sectors, including renovation, trade, and services. Experts warn that without structural reforms, workers will remain vulnerable to exploitation, while rising emigration among local workers could deepen labor shortages and economic strain.