• Those leaving advised to exit via Eilat border to Egypt
• Some Lankans express safety concerns, advised to develop personal emergency plans, identify temp. shelters 
• Foreign Employment Min./SLBFE await PIBA notice to resume migration for jobs  

Several Sri Lankan nationals in Israel for business purposes have been stranded due to the lack of outbound flights, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel has said.

At present, the main international Airport of Israel, the Ben Gurion International Airport, and the Israeli airspace, remain closed to all international flights due to the conflict with Iran.

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Israel Nimal Bandara noted that Embassy officials are taking every effort to ensure the safety of the Lankans in the country and also providing support to leave Israel, if necessary. Due to current travel restrictions, those leaving have been advised on the possibility of exiting Israel via the Eilat border to Egypt.

Bandara stated that some Sri Lankans residing in older buildings without proper shelters have expressed concern about their safety. Accordingly, they have been advised to consult their family members and designated social workers to develop a personal emergency plan and identify temporary alternatives for shelter during attacks.

Bandara has also advised all Sri Lankans in Israel to remain vigilant, follow official instructions, and contact the Embassy in case of emergencies.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said that the Population and Immigration Authority of Israel (PIBA) has informed that Israel’s international airports are currently not operating at full capacity due to the current situation between Israel and Iran. Issuing a statement, the ministry informed all job seekers who have been selected for employment opportunities in Israel that directing them for employment in Israel has been temporarily suspended due to this situation. This also applies to Sri Lankans who had been working in Israel and returned to Sri Lanka with the expectation of re-entering Israel for work, he added.

In terms of Section 39 (1)(b) of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Act, No. 21 of 1985, registration with the SLBFE will not be carried out until further notice. The facilitation of employment opportunities in Israel will resume upon notification from the PIBA, authorities noted.