Israel temporarily suspends hiring of Filipino caregivers

The Israeli government has temporarily suspended the recruitment of Filipino caregivers as it coordinates with the Philippines on issues regarding a new labor regulation.

According to JP Soriano’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” Israeli Ambassador Ian Fluss said that while the hiring for caregivers is suspended, his country currently needs Filipino hotel workers due to the booming tourism industry.

“We are very much interested in Filipino workers coming to Israel. There's a lot of appreciation…We hope to sign in the near future an agreement cooperation on tourism,” Fluss said.

The envoy’s remarks came days after the Philippines and Israel agreed to open direct flights between the two countries on Monday, easing the travel for Filipino workers and tourists who want to visit the Holy Land.

“The two governments will work together in seeing what way we can support the airlines,” the envoy added.

Meanwhile, Fluss shared several topics discussed by Israeli Foreign Minister Eliyahu Cohen and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his two-day visit in Manila, including the countries’ cooperation on energy projects and the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Israel expressed readiness to supply security equipment to the Philippines including anti-drone systems.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News