Statement: On the Deportation of Filipino Migrants from Israel

20 February 2019 – The Department of Foreign Affairs has raised the deportation of Filipino mothers and their children with Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Director General Gilad Cohen during his meeting with Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Middle East and African Affairs Leslie Baja today. The issue was discussed at the sidelines of the annual bilateral consultations between the Philippines and Israel.

Assistant Secretary Baja requested Director General Cohen, in the spirit of friendly relations between the Philippines and Israel, to treat overstaying Filipinos who need to be repatriated in an orderly and benignant manner, specially since children may be involved. He also said that Filipino workers have a responsibility to observe the immigration laws of the host government.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola said the Department stands ready to provide reintegration assistance to all those being repatriated since they are Philippine citizens. The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv is also coordinating with OWWA for additional welfare and reintegration assistance. END