The Marker, Gili Melnicki, 12.03.2020
The real estate industry is preparing for emergency measures following the Corona crisis: If Judea and Samaria are closed, accommodation permits will be granted to all Palestinian workers in Israel, with the exception of exceptional cases, in order to ensure continued activity and construction work. This was decided in the assessment made by the National Security Council with the participation of a National Security Council. Construction and Housing In addition, a plan was taken to bring about 1,000 workers from China and 800 from Ukraine.
The move still requires police approval and preparations by contractors who are supposed to arrange accommodation and security for Palestinian construction workers. Accommodation permits will also be given to 400 Jordanian construction workers.
"This is in the process of ensuring that there are no dramatic delays in the construction industry as a result of the Corona, as we will be able to maintain the work routine and not significantly impair the volume of workers working on the construction sites," said Construction and Housing Minister Yifat Shasha Biton."We are preparing for additional parallel steps that were also discussed at the NSC meeting and received in principle approval, including the next 1,000 additional Chinese construction workers in the country - arriving only in about 28 days, after undergoing 14-day isolation in China and 14 more days in the country."
Shasha Biton noted that the contractors' association with the Ministry of Construction and Housing is preparing to fly another 800 workers from Ukraine, who are supposed to pass the health checks. Upon arriving in the country, they will be transferred to 14-day isolation, and then be able to begin work.
Construction and Housing Minister Yifat Shasha BitonPhoto: Gil Eliyahu
"At present, the construction industry is not in crisis and the projects are not delayed. Today is the first day in which a closure from Judea and Samaria of those over 50 is decided and we are now witnessing a series of preparatory steps to ensure that the real estate industry does not hurt," Shasha Biton explained. It is to prevent a situation where Palestinian workers are absent, which can cause dramatic damage to the industry. I'm glad we're not there. "
On Saturday night, another assessment is expected on the issue, which will examine the recommendations of the police and security forces regarding the closure in Judea and Samaria and the full accommodation permits expected to be given and the security arrangements required at the construction sites.
Regarding building materials and materials shortages for the construction industry, Shasha Biton said: "At this point and for the month ahead, no shortage of materials such as cement, etc. is currently expected. If needed. "