Responding to a request from Housing Minister Uri Ariel, the Socio-Economic Cabinet this week approved an increase in the number of permits to be given to PA (Palestinian Authority) residents seeking employment in the construction industry. The cabinet approved 5,000 construction jobs for PA residents.

Ariel explains this is a necessary fact of life if the country expects to pick up the pace of construction to address the critical housing shortage. He explains that while the government seeks to bring construction workers from Romania and China, there are no enough and therefore they must also increase the number of permits for PA workers.

In addition, the Ministry of Transportation will allocated 5 million shekels to improve transportation for PA workers who are not permitted to enter into Green Line Israel with a vehicle or do not have one.

Labor leaders in the construction industry praised the decision.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)