…The validity of this move could be challenged under India’s Emigration Act, 1983. Under Section 31(1)(a) of the said Act, the Centre has the power to prohibit emigration to a country if they are exposed to “serious risk of life” in that particular country by “reason of outbreak of hostilities or civil war or civil commotion or political disturbances.” While the Centre has given the green light to the emigration of these workers, the conditions prevalent in Israel are far from ideal. As per the International Committee of the Red Cross, the term ‘hostilities’ refers to the physical, armed clashes between conflict parties. The conflict between Israel and Hamas that has led to bombardments among other acts of hostilities in both Israeli and Palestinian territories fits the bill…

…Moldova has suspended its labour deal with Israel, citing war-time abuse of construction workers. Among many allegations, Moldova has stated that the construction workers were being sent to ‘high risk conflict zones’ in breach of the agreement between the two countries…

Even when Israel’s construction sector is scrutinised in the absence of war-like circumstances, it becomes clear that as per the advertisement, Indian migrant workers will be getting the shorter end of the stick…