Tel Aviv — Saroj Shrestha set up a small business in his hometown of Bhaktapur, in Nepal's central region, in 2019. While his business was gradually picking up, the global COVID-19 outbreak severely battered it. Seeking new opportunities, he began exploring job prospects abroad. Through friends and media channels, he learned about caregiver positions in Israel. Having completed vocational nursing training, he also possessed sound communication skills.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2020 between Nepal and Israel paved the way for Nepali migrant workers to secure caregiving jobs in Israel. Under this agreement, the first protocol for "Caregiving in Geriatric Institutions" was established, linking Nepal's Department of Foreign Employment (DOFE) with Israel's Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA).
This protocol regulates the arrival and employment arrangements of thousands of Nepali workers, many of whom now work in Israel. On 30 September 2020, following extensive discussions, the work agreement between Nepal and Israel was formally signed in Jerusalem. Like hundreds of other Nepalis, Shrestha was selected through a lottery system. Ultimately, he secured employment at a private company that is one of the major elderly-care providers operating in Israel.
In his initial days, Shrestha faced difficulties due to his limited command of the Hebrew language, despite being fluent in English. Through patience and gradual effort, he began learning Hebrew, which progressively made his duties easier. Today, he is fully adjusted to his role. When asked about the primary challenge facing Nepali caregivers, he repeatedly emphasizes "patience," noting that exercising the highest level of patience is the only way to handle demanding situations.
During a meeting with a visiting Nepali media delegation at his center, Shrestha shared: "Now, I make good money—around ten times better than normal work in Nepal." Like millions of youth back home, Shrestha holds high hopes for the new administration led by Balendra Shah, suggesting that the government focus on rooting out three decades of prevailing corruption.
Similarly, Bunu Khadka was working office jobs in Kathmandu when her mother informed her about job opportunities in Israel. Like Shrestha, Khadka initially faced adaptation challenges, but she is now completely satisfied with her job and income. Under current regulations, Nepali caregivers are allowed to work in Israel for a maximum of five years. Reflecting on her early transition, Khadka recalled that adapting to a completely new system, technology, and environment was daunting at first, though it has now become routine.
With her contract expiring in a few months, Khadka hopes to extend her stay by several years. "Now, I have become proficient in the job and fluent in Hebrew and English. If my job duration is extended, it would help stabilize my economic condition," she explained. She remains concerned about finding sustainable employment back in Nepal, noting that her savings will not last indefinitely.
Khadka requested journalists and the Nepal government to advocate for contract extensions. Over the past four years, she and her colleagues have built a strong reputation as dedicated caregivers, earning praise from their employers. Their duties involve caring for elderly individuals suffering from complex conditions such as dementia and Parkinson's disease—a physically and emotionally demanding responsibility.
Fourteen Nepali workers are currently employed at this particular elderly care center, which was established in 1996. When offering advice to prospective workers, both Shrestha and Khadka emphasize language proficiency while highlighting the attractive compensation. Nepali workers are also impressed by the grievance mechanisms set up by Israel, noting that any instance of discrimination can be reported directly to PIBA, which actively addresses their concerns.
At home, the government led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has pledged to create local jobs to discourage foreign employment. However, workers at the center advise that because the pay and working conditions in Israel are exceptionally good, the government should continue encouraging workers to apply. The center's CEO echoed this sentiment, praising Nepali employees as disciplined and hard-working.
Nepali caregivers receive comprehensive medical facilities, including health insurance. They earn approximately NPR 300,000 per month, with opportunities to earn more through overtime—which many prefer over spending their free time in their apartments.
Sharing their experiences regarding security and the regional conflict, workers noted that while the situation was frightening initially, it has become manageable over time. When security threats or missile alerts arise, they receive advance notifications on their phones and proceed immediately to reinforced safe rooms. They believe Israel is safe and that the situation on the ground differs from how it is often portrayed in international media. While the onset of the Iran-Israel conflict initially caused deep concern, they no longer feel afraid.
Nepali workers generally travel to Israel after completing nursing training accredited by the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT). Shrestha and Khadka were part of the initial batches deployed after the bilateral agreement was signed. Khadka added: "We want to extend our contracts for another five years. While we obviously miss our families in Nepal, we do not yet have a concrete plan for what to do after returning home."
Since the government-to-government agreement came into effect, over 3,400 Nepalis have moved to Israel for work. The initial group of 1,345 Nepali auxiliary workers served as the foundation for the current recruitment scheme. In August 2024, an additional 2,112 candidates were selected through a transparent lottery process for phased deployment. By 2026, the program expanded further: Israel opened applications for another 2,300 caregiver positions, with 1,115 candidates meeting eligibility requirements to enter the selection process.
For Shrestha, however, broader statistics and bilateral agreements remain secondary to his daily reality. At the start, overcoming the language barrier was his greatest challenge. Although comfortable in English, learning Hebrew was essential, as caring for the elderly requires continuous communication, patience, and empathy. Through persistence and everyday interactions, he mastered the language. Despite the demanding nature of the job, Shrestha maintains that the experience has transformed his economic prospects. As he summarized to the media delegation, the earning potential remains a life-changing opportunity for many Nepali youths.
