Israel begins deporting ‘overstaying’ Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday appealed to Israel to treat overstaying Filipinos in a humane and decent manner following reports of arrests as the country started deportation proceedings against overstaying migrants last week.

The DFA said the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv continues to coordinate with Israel’s Population and Border Authority to facilitate humane and decent treatment in the repatriation of overstaying Filipinos.

“While the Philippines respects Israeli laws, it reiterates its request for the Israeli government to treat overstaying Filipinos in a humane and decent manner, most especially when children are involved,” said the agency.

“The embassy also stands ready to provide the necessary travel documents for those who need it to ensure an orderly repatriation,” it added.

Immigration agents began deportation proceedings against an overstaying Filipina and her Israel-born son following their arrest in their home in the city of Yehud last week, according to a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

The two are reportedly being held at the detention center in Ben-Gurion Airport.

A follow-up report said the country has begun rounding up “scores of Filipino workers and their Israel-born children for deportation,” prompting protests in some parts of the country.

Data on the number of Filipinos affected have yet to be released.

In its statement, the DFA called on Filipinos in Israel to observe the host country’s laws.