With the end of the COVID pandemic and the world's return to normalcy, together with Israel's political instability in recent years and the current economic situation, 69% of Israeli workers are considering relocating to other countries. Last year, that number stood at 46%.
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The figures were part of a survey conducted by the research department at AllJobs, an Israeli recruitment website, which examined the post-COVID labor market.
According to the survey, 60% of those questioned said a desire to improve their economic situation was the main motivating factor in wanting to relocate, compared to 50% last year. Meanwhile, 61% said they were interested in relocating for the experience of living and working abroad, compared to 59% in 2021; and 50% responded that they wanted to improve their quality of life and work-life balance, compared to 48% last year.
The sense of disappointment is glaring and on the rise: 31% of those questioned in the survey said they were disappointed with the situation in Israel and therefore want to move to another country, compared to 24% last year. An additional option in this year's survey was the country's political climate, with 20% of those questioned noting this as a significant factor in their desire to relocate.
Not everyone works in a profession in which a relocation is a realistic option, however. Among the survey's participants, only 38% said there was a demand for their professional experience abroad – with 19% saying there was considerable demand and 19% saying there was lesser demand.
The most in-demand professions are in the high-tech, Internet, and digital sectors, followed by doctors and pharmaceuticals, and auto mechanics.
To the question, "How do you feel about Israelis who relocate?" 55% said the proposition sounds glamourous in theory but in reality, is a difficult process. Additionally, 26% said they were jealous of those who relocate and want to do so as well, compared to 17% last year.
To the question, "What are factors and concerns preventing you from relocating?" 35% of those questioned responded that missing family and friends was the main factor; 17% said they were concerned about struggling to acclimate, and 7% said they were concerned about antisemitism.
North America, particularly the United States, is atop the list of most desirable relocation destinations among Israelis, with 45% of those questioned naming it their preferred choice, similar to 2021. Europe is in second place, with a 35% rise in demand compared to last year. Australia and New Zealand dropped to 10% compared to 16% last year, with Africa trailing far behind with just 4% saying it was their preference.
Divided by city, New York and Los Angeles are the most desired cities, with 17% and 10% respectively, followed by Sydney (9%), London (8%), Miami (6.5%), Barcelona (6.5%), and Amsterdam (6%).
According to Liat Ben Tora-Shushan, the director of the career development department at AllJobs: "The expanding scope of workers in high-tech and the large growth in that field, which is changing direction right now, alongside political instability and the rising cost of living in Israel, are causing many to consider a new course. Some underwent a personal and professional change in Israel, and some are examining the option of relocating for several years or more abroad. With that, the transition, which sounds glamorous to many, entails numerous difficulties and adapting to [a new] language, mentality, and professionalism, and is often accompanied by a sense of loneliness. This is magnified even more when children are involved – whose own acclimation difficulties make the transition a challenge."
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