DOLE vows aid for OFWs' kids to be deported by Israel

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) vowed to assist all children of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who will be deported by the Israeli government following its crackdown on undocumented migrants. “The [Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv] could not determine yet how many of those affected by the new regulations are Filipinos, but we are nevertheless providing assistance in line with our enhanced OFW welfare and protection policy," said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz in an article posted on the DOLE website. Baldoz’ assurance came after the Israeli government recently announced the requirements that children of undocumented migrants must meet to be allowed to stay in the country. (See: 400 children, including Filipinos, face deportation from Israel) The guidelines prescribe, among others, that the child must have lived for at least five years in Israel and be a Hebrew speaker, and that their parents must have entered the country using a valid visa. Based on the guidelines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier reported that of the 1,200 children of foreign nationals in Israel, about 400, including an undetermined number of Filipinos, might not meet the criteria. Baldoz, however, said Israel’s latest policy on children of migrant workers is a separate move from its ongoing general campaign against undocumented foreign workers. She said the Embassy has tapped the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) to assist in the documentation requirements of the Filipino children. According to DOLE, Israel is home to some 300,000 foreign workers, about 39,000 of whom are Filipinos. Majority of the Filipino workers are employed as caregivers for the elderly and disabled, while around 3,100 Filipinos work as drivers or utility staff of diplomats or diplomatic missions. Baldoz added the POLO is confident that Filipinos will be granted residency, saying most, if not all, Filipino citizens in Israel entered the country legally either as tourists or workers. The Embassy is thus expecting a surge in the number of requests for documentation coming from those who are availing of the program, as well as those who would be deported. Filipinos who approached the Embassy for assistance in line with the residency program said they were given until August 21 this year to submit all their papers. The labor chief meanwhile noted that the Israeli government has promised that those who will be affected will be allowed to leave the country with dignity. They will be allowed to pack their belongings and leave Israel quietly, and the Israeli government will also shoulder the plane fare for their deportation. The new ruling on undocumented migrants is expected to affect children of migrant workers of Chinese, Filipino and Thai descent, the DFA earlier said, citing news reports. Deportees may also appeal the ruling before the courts, the DFA added.—Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMANews.TV