This position paper discusses the need for policy change in regards to migrant workers employed in the agricultural sector. In Israel today some 22,000 migrant workers are employed in the agricultural sector, and most are from Thailand. Following the implementation of the bilateral agreement signed between Israel and Thailand (TIC) in July 2012, workers in the agricultural sector began coming from Thailand exclusively.
Migrant workers employed in the agricultural sector in Israel have limited access to their rights, making them an exceptionally vulnerable group of workers. Poor employment and living conditions and almost total dependence on employers open the door to widespread exploitation of migrant agricultural workers.
