Israel Approves New Plan to Bring Remaining Bnei Menashe From Northeast India by 2030
In a major policy decision, the Government of Israel has approved a comprehensive plan to bring the remaining members of the Bnei Menashe community from the northeastern Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram by the year 2030. The move aims to facilitate the immigration, conversion, and integration of thousands of people who identify as descendants of the ancient Tribe of Manasseh.
Under the newly approved strategy, approximately 1,200 Bnei Menashe members will immigrate to Israel by the end of 2026, at an estimated cost of 90 million shekels. The allocated budget includes provisions for immigration arrangements, conversion procedures, temporary housing in absorption centers, financial assistance for integration, Hebrew language education, and placement in schools and employment sectors.
A larger second phase will follow, aiming to bring an additional 4,600 community members by 2030, effectively enabling the complete relocation of the Bnei Menashe population still residing in India. This will also reunite families who have been separated for years due to staggered migration policies.
Over the past two decades, about 4,000 Bnei Menashe have already moved to Israel under earlier government initiatives. In total, roughly 5,500 members of the community have immigrated, many through the support of the organization Shavei Israel, which has long assisted with documentation, community coordination, and religious processes.
A government delegation — including representatives from the Chief Rabbinate and other state bodies — is scheduled to visit India within the coming week to assess the eligibility of applicants, in accordance with a 2007 guideline governing conversion and citizenship. Once approved, the immigrants will enter Israel on A/5 temporary residency visas.
Most of the new arrivals are expected to settle in Nof Hagalil and other northern cities, as part of a coordinated regional development program. Several ministries — including Finance, Housing, Foreign Affairs, Culture, Justice, Science, Energy, and Environmental Protection — are collaborating on the extensive absorption plan headed by Minister Zeev Elkin, who oversees the northern rehabilitation initiative.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the decision as a “significant Zionist step,” emphasizing that the arrival of the Bnei Menashe would strengthen communities in the Galilee and contribute to long-term national development. He expressed gratitude to the ministries involved, Nof Hagalil Mayor Ronen Plot, and Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer for their roles in advancing the project.
The government’s approval marks one of the most comprehensive efforts to date to facilitate the Bnei Menashe immigration and ensure their full integration into Israeli society.
