Security fears cloud Israel labour deal
Government says it will send hundreds of youths to Israel as part of labour export deal which the Ministry of Finance projects claim it will rake in $3.6 billion (K6.1 trillion).
While welcoming the labour export deal, security analysts fear the raging war between Israel and Hamas could be risky for youths heading to Israel.
Queried security analyst Sheriff Kaisi: “What is wrong is not the labour export deal, but the timing. We know it is the responsibility of every government to ensure that its citizens are protected. Sending youths to a war-torn terrain is what raises many questions.”
In a press release issued on Friday, Ministry of Labour Principal Secretary Wezi Kayira said the first cohort was already cleared for departure.
“So far, the first cohort of youths from various parts of the country has been granted an opportunity to work in Israel and will leave any time since all the clearances have been granted.
“More youths are expected to be engaged in this programme,” reads the statement.
The first team was scheduled to fly out last Friday.
Kayira said the labour export programme is an initiative of the government in collaboration with the private sector to fulfill its commitment to job creation and youth empowerment.
The statement, however, dismissed security fears for those travelling to Israel.
“There are several sectors under consideration and the first cohort is for the agricultural sector. Under the labour export programme.
“The government would like to inform the public that the safety and security of the youth is paramount.
“On the Israel labour export, the youth will work at certified and approved locations which are classified as fit and safe environment.
“In addition, medical insurance and repatriation arrangements are in place for the youth involved,” it reads further.
In a response to our questionnaire Kaisi, a former military officer and political science lecturer at Blantyre International University, said Malawi would have prioritised pushing for peace in the region.
“What Malawi would have done now is to push further for peace to reign in that region and that the war and killing of civilians should stop.
“Once peace, law and order is restored, then the country can send its citizens,” he said.
Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa claimed in Parliament on Thursday that there was a chartered place from Israel that was set to transport youths from Kamuzu International Airport.
But leader of the House, Richard Chimwendo Banda, asked him to withdraw the statement, insisting that he should produce evidence.
Presenting the Mid-Year Budget review statement, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola-Banda said they are targeting to export between 10 000 to 15000 employees to various countries in the next five years.
