Telugu associations in Israel have confirmed that none of the 10 Indian construction workers rescued from captivity in the West Bank were from Telangana or Andhra Pradesh. This news brings relief to many concerned about the safety of Indian migrant workers in the region.
A representative of the Israel Telangana Association (ITA) stated that while more than 500 people from Telangana had come to Israel for construction jobs in the past year, none were among those rescued. The operation to free the workers was carried out by multiple Israeli authorities, including the Defence Forces, the Ministry of Justice, and the Immigration Authority.
According to ITA sources, the 10 workers were tricked into traveling to the village of Al-Za’im by a local resident who promised them jobs. Once they arrived, their passports were taken away, leaving them trapped. The situation was uncovered when Palestinians were caught trying to enter Israel using these stolen passports. This led to the discovery of the workers’ captivity and their eventual rescue.
The ITA representative explained that if any Telugu-speaking workers had been involved, the association would have been notified immediately. He mentioned that Telugu workers in Israel stay connected through social media, where important updates are shared quickly. Although many Telugu workers live and work in the West Bank, there have been no reports of them being affected by this incident.
This case highlights the dangers faced by migrant workers, especially after Israel eased work permit rules for Indian labourers in the construction industry. Over the past year, around 15,000 Indian workers have arrived in Israel for such jobs. However, with this increase, concerns have also grown over worker exploitation and the need for better protection.
While the rescued workers are now safe, Telugu associations in Israel continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring the safety and well-being of their community members.
