The Absorption Ministry is getting ready to absorb 30 percent more olim (Jewish immigrants to Israel) in 2008 than in 2007, the Ministry's Director-General Erez Halfon told the Knesset Immigration and Absorption Committee Monday.

The ministry plans to absorb upwards of 20,000 in 2008 - including Israelis returning from overseas. The number of olim at the end of 2007 is expected to just pass the 15,000 mark.

Halfon also outlined plans to increase active recruiting for Aliyah (immigration to Israel).