Israel imports record foreign workforce to replace Palestinians, but housing crisis looms

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has significantly increased its foreign worker population to replace Palestinian laborers, reaching a record 250,000 with plans to expand to 330,000. This shift, driven by the closure of borders to most Palestinian workers, has led to a looming housing crisis for the foreign workforce. Employers are legally obligated to provide suitable accommodation, but inspections reveal widespread violations, including overcrowding and substandard living conditions, despite some companies renting and converting entire buildings.

"In our inspections, we find violations in every single industry," says Population and Immigration Authority Investigation and Intelligence Department senior head Shimon Zigzag.

Workers, primarily from Thailand, India, and China, often report unmet promises regarding housing and employment conditions. The Population and Immigration Authority acknowledges the challenges, noting that the rapid influx of workers has not been matched by an increase in enforcement staff, hindering efforts to ensure compliance with housing regulations.