19 January 2017 — The deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OWFs) to Israel rose by 24.56% in 2016, the highest in the last five years according to the data from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Tel-Aviv. 

The number of OFWs deployed to Israel increased from  2,288 in 2015 to 2,850 in 2016.

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

In line with this, the new caregivers are mandated to attend the Post Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) every Sunday.  According to Labor Attaché Gabasan, the aim of PAOS is to disseminate pertinent information, guidance, and information on the services of the Embassy to the Filipino workers.

The Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv seeks to increase the employment opportunities in Israel for Filipinos through a Bilateral Labor Agreement (BLA) 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 thus helping them maximize their savings given the limited duration of their contract. END