Israel is set to bring in 2,300 additional caregivers from Nepal to work in long-term care centers (Betaboodh). The Department of Foreign Employment has said that it is preparing to make public the notice to recruit new workers as per the quota given by Israel for Nepal.

Israel's Jerusalem-based Population and Immigration Authority (PIWA) had sent a new quota last February. However, the new worker selection process was put on hold due to the House of Representatives elections in Nepal and tensions in West Asia. According to the labor agreement between Nepal and Israel, PIWA must issue a public notice for the selection of new workers within 40 days of sending the demand letter.

Director General of the Department of Foreign Employment Meera Acharya said that a new notice is being issued as per the labor agreement. 'A new demand letter has been received from PIWA. Instructions have been received from the Ministry of Labor to issue a notice for the selection of new workers,' she said.

Israel had selected 2112 people through a lucky draw from 3262 eligible candidates on August 29. Of these, 1900 have already reached Israel. PIWA says that 1154 people who have been waiting for a year without getting into the lucky draw will be able to participate in the lucky draw again. However, they will have to pass the prescribed English language test.

The candidates who have been waiting without getting into the lucky draw have said that they should be given a chance. ‘We were qualified.’ After the lucky draw is selected, we should be sent,’ said one candidate.

Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Shyamulik Are Was said that those who are found eligible for caregivers will be given the opportunity as per the agreement. ‘As per the agreement, all 1,154 people who are considered eligible for the job of caregiver will be given another opportunity to compete with other candidates,’ he told Ikantipur, ‘Israel has always viewed Nepali workers as very dedicated, reliable and honest workers. The problems related to Nepali workers are very minimal.’

As per the agreement between Nepal and Israel, the process of sending more Nepali caregivers has been progressing through the government mechanism (G2G). Israel has started sending caregivers as auxiliary workers to long-term care centers since August 2022. After the caregivers selected in the first phase have been selected, the second phase of recruitment process has been progressed from 2081 Asad 11 (June 25, 2024).

The monthly salary of the caregiver going to Israel is 5,884 Israeli currency (about three hundred thousand Nepalese rupees). In this, the expenses for food and accommodation will have to be borne by the person himself. There is a provision that workers going to Israel must be between 25 and 45 years of age, weigh at least 45 kilograms, have passed at least 10th grade and completed at least 15 months of study in ANM or CMA-related subjects, or have completed grade 12 or equivalent educational qualifications and have received 3 months of training in caregiving from a training provider recognized by the Government of Nepal.