DFA: Deportation of Israel OFWs' children to be humane

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine embassy in Israel has assured that the imminent deportation of children of overseas Filipino workers in that country will be handled in the most humane way.

In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the embassy said it made representations with the Israeli government on the deportation of children born by overseas Filipino workers required to be sent back home to be able continue their employment in Israel.

Israeli law states that once migrant workers give birth to children in that country, they must leave with their child or send the baby back home to continue their employment.

“The Foreign Ministry declared that it is in the best interest of our two countries,” said Ambassador Petronila Garcia.

She said the final decision by the Israeli Ministerial Committee on the deportation of children remains pending.

The move to deport about 1,200 children of migrant workers was decided in August 2009, but was held in abeyance due to public outcry and protests of Israeli activists and to give time to the committee to study the issue and present their findings.