Envoy laments ban on OFW deployment to Israel

MANILA, Philippines - Israeli Ambassador Menashe Bar-On expressed concern yesterday that the ban on the deployment of Filipino workers to Israel was not a constructive decision but he hopes that it will be lifted soon.

Bar-On said no other country has imposed a deployment ban and restrictions on their citizens to travel to Israel during the height of the conflict prior to the Egypt-brokered ceasefire with the Palestinian faction Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

He met with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officials after the deployment ban was imposed.

“We have talked to clarify things. We hope the ban will be lifted today or tomorrow so we can go back to normal work on Monday,” Bar-On told The STAR during the launching of the Intramuros and Manila Minishuttle Tour.

The ambassador said Philippine officials have raised concern over the situation during the conflict.

“But now we are beyond that. Our life goes back to normal. No other country in the region declared ban of deployment of employees or make restrictions on their citizens to travel to Israel,” Bar-On said.

“We have lots of Thais working in Israel in agriculture. We have the Chinese working in construction and we have a lot of Filipinos working. I think the decision is not constructive and we hope and we ask to lift it because it creates a lot of damage to the Filipinos who work there or who are going to work and for their employers of course,” he added.

Israel asked the Philippine government to lift the ban on the deployment of Filipino workers after the situation improved since the implementation of the  ceasefire with Hamas.

Bar-On said he spoke with Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Jesus Yabes last Wednesday.

He said Israeli employers are satisfied with the hardworking and professional Filipino workers.

“The overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel have a good standing in Israel as they are known for their services and dedication,” he said.

The Israeli government assured the Philippines that the OFWs are given the same security and protection as any other citizen or foreigner in Israel.

The Philippine government ordered a ban on the deployment of OFWs to Israel due to escalating hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said that the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) governing board has approved a resolution imposing a deployment ban to Israel after consultation with the DFA.

The DFA said last week that the Filipinos in Israel – there are about 41,000 OFWs, mostly caregivers – are relatively safe and they have not been so far affected by the mortar attacks coming from the other side.