Israel extends visas for over 20,000 Sri Lankan workers until September 30 due to ongoing unrest. Government ready for evacuation if conditions worsen. SLBFE halts new deployments.
Sri Lankans in Israel Get Temporary Visa Relief Amid Escalating Unrest
As conflict continues to roil parts of Israel, Sri Lankan workers have been granted a three-month visa extension by the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA), offering temporary relief to thousands who were facing visa expiry amidst mounting uncertainty.
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) confirmed the development, stating that all general employment visas including B/1 and related categories that were scheduled to expire after June 12 will now remain valid until September 30. This extension also applies to other foreign workers under similar visa conditions, not just Sri Lankan nationals.
Around 20,000 Sri Lankans are currently employed in Israel, with a majority working in the caregiving and agricultural industries. Many of them have faced growing anxiety due to the fragile security situation, and the extension now offers much-needed stability for both employers and workers.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Tel Aviv, operating under the joint oversight of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Employment and Tourism, is actively coordinating updates and ensuring the safety of the diaspora. Officials said that they are in continuous dialogue with Israeli authorities to safeguard the welfare of Sri Lankan citizens.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan government has indicated it is prepared to initiate evacuation protocols should the situation escalate further. Discussions are also underway to repatriate Sri Lankans who have already applied to return, possibly through regional transit agreements with third-party nations.
In a precautionary move, the SLBFE has suspended all new deployments of Sri Lankan workers to Israel until further notice, reflecting heightened concern about worker safety in the region.
This move is seen as a proactive step to ensure the well-being of Sri Lankans abroad while acknowledging the growing uncertainty in the Middle East. The Sri Lankan government remains committed to monitoring developments and supporting its nationals working overseas.
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