New Delhi: The Government of India has denied rumours that Indian workers in Israel would be forced to return to India. The Embassy of India in Tel Aviv clarified that such claims, which have been circulating on social media, are false.
“A message circulating on social media claiming Indian workers in Israel would be forced to return to India or face jail/fine if they register with the Embassy of India is fake,” the embassy said on Friday. The embassy urged people not to believe or share such fake messages. “Always rely on official updates from @Indemtel (Embassy of India, Tel Aviv) for accurate info,” a post on X added.
Tensions rise in region
It explained that the purpose of registering Indian nationals in Israel is to make it easier for the embassy to reach out to them during emergencies or to help them benefit from various welfare schemes offered by the Indian government. This clarification comes at a time when tensions between Israel and Iran have increased.
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Both countries have been exchanging attacks, which have resulted in multiple casualties. The situation worsened last week after Israel carried out a series of strikes under ‘Operation Rising Lion’, prompting a military response from Iran.
Indian workers in demand
Recently, the Indian Embassy in Israel advised Indian citizens to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow all safety instructions given by Israeli authorities. Indians have been working in Israel for many years, mainly as caregivers for the elderly, as well as in sectors like IT and diamond trading. However, after the Gaza war intensified in 2023, Israel started hiring Indian workers for its construction industry to replace thousands of Palestinian labourers who were no longer allowed entry following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Meanwhile, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has confirmed that his country is in “constant contact” with India’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding the possible evacuation of Indian nationals amid rising tensions with Iran. On Wednesday, the Indian government launched ‘Operation Sindhu’ to bring back its citizens from Iran due to the worsening conflict.
