Agricultural & Construction Workers - Israel-Thailand Program

Israel and Thailand maintain a bilateral government agreement for the recruitment of Thai workers in the agriculture and construction sectors. The program has been expanded significantly in recent years, reflecting the high demand for Thai workers and the strong diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

Current Quotas

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The Israeli government has expanded its quota to a total of 21,500 Thai workers:

• 13,000 positions in agriculture — working on farms, orchards, greenhouses, and dairy operations across Israel
• 8,500 positions in construction — supporting Israel’s building and infrastructure projects

The program is also expanding into additional sectors, including supermarkets, garages, and factories, opening new employment opportunities for Thai workers.

Visa and Duration

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Workers enter Israel on a B-1 work visa, which is renewable for a total stay of up to 63 months (5 years and 3 months). The visa is tied to a specific employer and sector, though transfers between approved employers within the same sector are possible under certain conditions.

Recruitment Process

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Recruitment is conducted exclusively through licensed Thai recruitment agencies approved by the Thai Ministry of Labour. This government-to-government framework is designed to prevent exploitation and ensure fair working conditions.

Important: Workers should never pay excessive recruitment fees. The bilateral agreement sets caps on what agencies may charge. Be wary of unlicensed brokers.

How to Apply

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1. Contact the Thai Embassy Labour Office in Israel for current information and a list of approved recruitment agencies: israel.mol.go.th/en/info/labor-information
2. Apply through a licensed Thai recruitment agency in Thailand
3. Complete any required training and medical examinations
4. Obtain your B-1 visa through the Israeli consulate in Bangkok

Working Conditions

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• Salary range: approximately $1,500–$2,500 per month, depending on sector, experience, and overtime
• Employers are required to provide health insurance coverage
• Workers are entitled to protections under Israeli labor law, including minimum wage, rest days, and paid holidays
• Accommodation is typically provided by the employer in the agriculture sector

Key Resources

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• Thai Embassy Labour Office in Israel — official information on labor rights and recruitment
• Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv: +972-3-613-1270
• PIBA (Population and Immigration Authority) hotline: *3450

For questions about this program, contact Asians in Israel or reach out to the Thai Embassy Labour Office directly.