11 January 2017 -- 2016 marks the highest deployment number of Filipino caregivers in Israel in the last five years. Based on data from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Tel Aviv for 2016, OFW deployment increased by 24.56% from 2,288 in 2015 to 2,850 in 2016. This was contained in a report submitted by the Philippine Embassy in Israel to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Labor and Employment.

Philippine Labor Attaché to Israel Rodolfo Gabasan, in his report, said that “With the significant growth of workers, the Philippine Embassy plans to ensure the protection of rights under Philippine and Israeli laws.”

In line with this, the new caregivers are mandated to attend the Post Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) every Sunday to disseminate pertinent information, guidance and services of the Embassy to the Filipino workers”, stressed Atty. Gabasan.

The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv seeks to increase employment opportunities in Israel for Filipinos through a Bilateral Labor Agreement with the State of Israel, which is currently being negotiated by both sides. Once in place the BLA is expected to substantially reduce, if not completely eliminate, the “placement fees” paid by the workers who come to Israel and help them maximize their savings given the limited duration of their contract. --- END