The seminar was designed to strengthen the connection between government bodies and the field, deepen professional understanding in the area of foreign workers, and present a coordinated government front that will work for the benefit of both employers and employees.
The conference was opened by Michael Itzhakov, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, and Moshe Nakash, Head of the Foreign Workers Administration at the Population and Immigration Authority. In their remarks, they emphasized the importance of foreign workers as a central component in the success of the hotel industry in Israel, and expressed appreciation for their professionalism and dedication. Furthermore, the need for continued inter-ministerial cooperation was raised to ensure the proper and fair management of human resources in the industry.
During the day, an up-to-date overview of the foreign worker situation in the hotel industry was presented, with an emphasis on the challenges arising from the field and the accompanying bureaucratic processes. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the employment permit application process, from submission to approval, and learned about recruitment mechanisms within the framework of bilateral agreements and their implications for employers. In addition, important legal aspects were discussed, including the prevention of human trafficking and workers’ rights, along with an introduction to the activities of the unit responsible for the rights of foreign workers in the Ministry of Labor.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the human aspect of employing workers from different countries, with an emphasis on cultural differences and their impact on the work environment. As part of a special panel that addressed on-the-ground challenges, experienced hoteliers shared insights, tips, and management solutions for promoting a professional and respectful work environment.
The seminar constituted a significant step in promoting open and ongoing dialogue between the state and employers in the tourism industry. The meeting helped raise issues from the field, strengthened inter-ministerial cooperation, and laid the groundwork for promoting regulated, fair, and responsible employment for the benefit of workers, employers, and the future of the hotel industry in Israel.
The Ministry of Tourism continues to work towards increasing the quotas for foreign workers in the industry, as part of a strategic plan to address the rehabilitation needs of tourism and the expected growth in the number of hotel rooms in the coming years.
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