Kenya Follows Malawi’s Lead: Sends 1500 Farm Workers to Israel

Kenya’s labour ministry has officially acknowledged sending 1,500 farm workers to Israel, following Malawi’s recent dispatch of 221 young individuals to Israeli farms. This initiative aims to fill Israel’s critical shortage in agricultural labour after the departure of over 10,000 migrant workers, primarily Thai nationals, since the conflict began in early October.

These workers will enter into renewable three-year contracts, ensuring a guaranteed net monthly income of $1,500 (£1,195). Israel, coping with a significant reservist mobilisation due to the ongoing conflict, has sought workers from East Africa, eyeing recruitment from Uganda and Tanzania. This move seeks to offset the shortage of 30-40,000 farm labourers, exacerbated by the exit of Palestinian labourers and foreign nationals.

However, the announcement has triggered concerns and diverse reactions. Queries about worker safety and working conditions in Israel surfaced following previous reports of unsafe practices and unhygienic living conditions for migrant labourers. Groups like Human Rights Watch had previously voiced apprehensions about the treatment of foreign labourers.

Read: Malawian Youths Sent to Israel to Fill Labour Void on Farms

In response, Israel’s ambassador to Kenya highlighted additional measures aimed at ensuring fair treatment of foreign workers, enabling them to swiftly lodge complaints. Despite criticisms, some Kenyans have supported the endeavour, citing the need for jobs amidst Kenya’s 5.5% unemployment rate, according to the World Bank.

Malawi’s government plans to send an additional 5,000 workers, rejecting calls to halt the program despite concerns about the ongoing conflict. However, assurances have been given that these workers will not be placed in conflict zones and will receive similar protections as Israeli citizens.

While some potential workers express apprehensions about the conflict, employment agencies have assured safety measures and pledged to keep these workers away from conflict zones.

The decision by Kenya and Malawi to send workers to Israel has sparked extensive discussions and raised concerns, particularly about the safety and work conditions of these farm workers. Critics have highlighted past instances of mistreatment and unsafe practices faced by migrant workers in Israel.

Israel’s farm labour shortage, exacerbated by the departure of many foreign workers during the conflict and the exclusion of Palestinian labourers, prompted the recruitment from East African nations. Israel has assured the safety of these workers, promising equal rights and protections.

However, past reports have highlighted issues faced by foreign farm labourers in Israel, leading to concerns over the potential conditions these new workers might face. Nonetheless, for many workers from Malawi and Kenya, the promise of better wages and job opportunities outweighs some safety concerns.

The response in Kenya and Malawi is mixed—some support the move, considering the unemployment levels in these countries, while others express concerns about the welfare and safety of the workers in Israel, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict.

Despite challenges and uncertainties, there’s a hopeful outlook among these workers that their overseas employment will bring financial stability and opportunities that might not have been available in their home countries.