– The Israeli government has decided to recruit Sri Lankan workers only through a Government-to-Government (G-to-G) arrangement from January 1, 2027, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said.The decision was communicated to the SLBFE by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel, the Bureau said.Under the new policy, the existing recruitment program for Israeli jobs through licensed private foreign employment agencies will end on December 31, 2026.

However, the official details of the new recruitment mechanism, including recruitment quotas and selection procedures for 2027, have not yet been announced, the SLBFE said.Previously, Sri Lankan workers were recruited for jobs in Israel in the construction, industrial, commerce and services sectors through licensed private recruitment agencies.The Bureau has warned prospective job seekers to exercise caution over promises made by private agencies or individuals claiming to offer new employment opportunities in Israel, whether in these sectors or any other field.The SLBFE has advised applicants not to pay money to any individual or licensed recruitment agency promising jobs in Israel. Job seekers have also been urged to refrain from participating in skills tests, interviews or other selection processes conducted by private agencies for Israeli jobs until the Bureau issues an official announcement.The public has been advised to rely only on official notices issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism and the SLBFE.

Meanwhile, the Bureau has assured those who have already made legitimate payments for Israeli employment that they need not be unduly concerned. Instructions on the next steps will be issued officially in due course.The SLBFE has requested licensed recruitment agencies to submit details of applicants who have already made legitimate payments. Further action will be taken based on the information received, and such applicants do not need to submit separate individual requests at this stage, the Bureau said.However, individuals wishing to complain about suspected fraud or other specific issues may do so through the Bureau’s usual complaints procedure.