JERUSALEM, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Israel will double the number of foreign construction workers in a bid to solve its continuing shortage of housing supply, said Israeli Ministry of Finance on Tuesday.
The Israeli Housing Cabinet approved on Tuesday the proposal of Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon to double the number of foreign workers allowed to work in Israel.
A total of 12,000 foreign workers will be allowed to work in Israel in at least six international companies, each of which is permitted to hire up to 1,000 workers.
"This is another step to increase the supply of apartments in Israel. We will continue to act with all the strength and tools available to enable every young couple to have an apartment at a reasonable price," Kahlon said.
The advanced construction technologies and skilled workers brought in by the foreign companies will also increase the scope of the construction sector and improve the quality of the buildings, he added.
A major pledge of the finance minister in the 2015 elections was to increase the housing supply for young couples who are homeless and to dramatically reduce the housing prices.
As Israeli construction companies refuse to build new houses due to their worry about a decline in housing prices, the Israeli government believes that foreign construction companies can be a solution to the housing crisis in the Jewish state.
