By Pemphero Malimba:
The government has reaffirmed its position against the demands from youths organised under the ‘Israel Job Seekers’ group, who are calling for the Ministry of Labour to allow recruitment agencies to resume sending young people to work in Israel.
The youths plan to hold a vigil at the ministry’s offices in Lilongwe Tuesday to pressure the ministry to meet their demands.
Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu told The Daily Times that the government cannot change the current arrangement, as it aligns with the wishes of the Israeli Government.
“The government of Israel has specific conditions and requires a government-to-government arrangement for the recruitment process.
“We cannot be the only country to alter this arrangement; it is beyond our control,” Kunkuyu said.
He added that the existing arrangement complies with Israeli law.
“The Israeli Government has informed us that sometimes their law permits the use of recruitment agencies, known as emergency recruitment. This process is not implemented arbitrarily; it must be approved by their cabinet to temporarily waive the law,” Kunkuyu said.
The government spokesperson insisted that the government is open to dialogue.
“If job seekers wish to engage through a vigil, they have that right. However, if they prefer to discuss their concerns through formal channels, our offices are always open,” he said.
Vice Chairperson of Israel Job Seekers, Yotam Ng’ambi, argued that resuming the use of recruitment agencies would benefit more people.
Ng’ambi criticised the government-to-government arrangement for alleged lack of transparency and accountability.
“Since our interviews some time ago, we have not received information about successful or unsuccessful candidates. We don’t understand why this information is withheld or why results are delayed,” he said.
Ng’ambi also alleged that the government has been sending some successful candidates’ names to Israel but has been mute about it.
“When we inquire, we are told it is confidential. However, the memorandum of understanding requires that candidates be informed of their interview results,” he said.
Ng’ambi added that the group will continue their vigil until their demands are addressed.
Earlier this year, Malawi signed a government-to-government agreement with Israel regarding the recruitment of young people for work in Israel.
Previously, independent recruitment agencies managed this process, sending many young Malawians to work in Israel’s agriculture sector.
