DESPITE unsafe conditions in Israel, 400 Filipino caregivers are set to be deployed there later this month, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
In an online press briefing, POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia said the OFWs’ deployment is part of the country’s bilateral agreement with Israel, which has been locked in a vicious battle with Palestine since last week.
“They are home-based caregivers headed to Israel under our bilateral labor agreement,” Olalia said. “They are just finalizing the process for their departure.”
Olalia said the Israeli government has assured the Filipino workers won’t be deployed in areas near hostilities.
“They told us that the caregivers won’t be deployed to conflict areas. This means they will be employed in areas away from the bombings and firefights,” Olalia said.
“They are headed to residential areas and will stay indoors. We will also continuously monitor their conditions,” added Olalia.
He also said that 500 more caregivers may be deployed to Israel in July or August.
Olalia said the Israeli government has already sent a job order for another batch of caregivers.
“We have received several applicants already. Latest information I got is we have 600 applicants for caregivers already,” he related.
“The whole process takes about two months. If we finish the selection process by May, by July or August we may be able to deploy them already,” added Olalia.
