The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines has announced a significant opportunity for foreign workers as thousands of jobs become available. This move comes in response to the departure of many migrant workers from Tel Aviv due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
However, the deployment of Filipino workers to Israel is contingent on the Philippine government’s decision, as the country currently has Israel under Alert Level 2. According to Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, they are actively seeking to bring more workers to Israel, including Filipinos, but the final decision rests with the Philippine authorities.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) placed Israel under Alert Level 2 on October 11, 2023, which limits the deployment of Filipino workers to the region. GMA Integrated News has reached out to both the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for comment on the possibility of lifting Alert Level 2, but they have yet to provide a statement.
Ambassador Fluss highlighted the preference for Filipino workers in Israel, particularly in caregiving roles, citing their proficiency in English and their reputation as “the kindest people in the world.” Apart from caregiving, job opportunities in Israel also include positions in the hotel, agriculture, and construction sectors.
While the Philippine government aims to retain its labor force domestically, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma acknowledged that the 20,000 available jobs in Israel could greatly benefit Filipino workers. He emphasized that any additional job opportunities, especially a substantial number like 20,000, would provide significant relief to the Filipino workforce.
The Israel-Hamas conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to the departure of 10,000 foreign workers from Israel. Additionally, Ambassador Fluss noted that around 20,000 Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank were unable to work in Israel due to the ongoing war.
The Israel-Hamas conflict commenced following a deadly attack by Hamas fighters on southern Israeli communities on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties, predominantly civilians, and the capture of 240 individuals, according to Israeli officials. Meanwhile, Gaza health authorities reported that since October 7, 2023, approximately 25,295 Palestinians have been killed.