Malawian Youths Sent to Israel to Fill Labour Void on Farms

The labour ministry in Malawi reported that several hundred young men have departed for Israel to work on farms that were left deserted in the aftermath of the Gaza war.

The initial flight carried 221 youths from the southern African nation to Israel on Saturday, with plans for additional flights in the near future.

Israeli farms, a significant component of the economy, witnessed a mass departure of labourers following the conflicts sparked by the Gaza war on October 7.

Among those who left were foreign workers returning to their home countries and Palestinians from Gaza, whose Israeli work permits were revoked after the attacks.

Malawi’s Secretary for Labour, Wezi Kayira, highlighted Israel as one of several countries within a government labour export program seeking to provide employment opportunities for youth and bolster foreign exchange reserves.

Kayira assured that the safety of these individuals remains a priority, stating that they will work in certified locations categorised as “fit and safe” environments.

The flight’s departure occurred shortly after Israel granted Malawi a $60 million aid package amidst its ongoing economic crisis.

However, the handling of the deal faced criticism from rights and governance activists, particularly regarding the government’s secrecy surrounding the labour export agreement.

Gift Trapence, Chairman of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition, called for transparency in the labour agreements with Israel and other nations, emphasising the protection of workers’ rights.

Opposition leader Kondwani Nankhumwa condemned the agreement in parliament, asserting that sending young individuals to a country amid conflict is unacceptable.

Malawi has established close ties with Israel over the years, deviating from the stance of some African nations on Palestinian rights. Previously, graduates from Malawi’s agricultural schools were sent to Israel.

President Lazarus Chakwera had announced plans in 2021 to open a full embassy to Israel in Jerusalem, making Malawi the first African nation in decades to take such a step in the contested city.

The recent decision to airlift young Malawians to work on Israeli farms has stirred controversy, sparking concerns about the transparency and ethical considerations of such agreements amidst ongoing conflict.

The Israeli Agriculture Ministry reported a significant exodus of workers from the country’s farms, with half of those departing being Palestinians barred from entering Israel from the occupied West Bank since the October 7 attacks.

Israel is looking to recruit approximately 5,000 workers from various countries, including Malawi, to address the labour void on its farms.