DFA asks Israel to heed Pinoy parents' request to have children stay in land of birth

The Department of Foreign Affairs urged Israel to grant the request of Filipino parents to let their children stay in the land of their birth.

"The Philippines calls on Israel, a close friend and a liberal democracy like the Philippines, to ensure a humane, just, and orderly consideration of the request of parents that their children be allowed to stay in their county of birth," the DFA said in a statement.

The DFA said it understands the plight of the Filipino parents with children who were born in Israel who may be deported by the Israeli government.

An overseas Filipino worker named Rosemarie Perez and her Israeli-born son were deported by the Israeli government earlier this week. 

The Embassy of Israel in Manila said Perez stayed illegally in Israel for 12 years after her working visa expired.

The embassy underscored that Israel "greatly appreciates" the contribution of Filipino workers, but immigrant laws were in place and must be complied with.

According to a report of Agence France-Presse, hundreds of other Filipino families are at risk of deportation.

In the same statement, the DFA also said Pinoys in Israel "must be aware of their contractual obligations and must respect and abide by the immigration rules of the host country."

The DFA said it has worked with the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration to prepare reintegration programs for Filipinos who will be repatriated from Israel.

"The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv has visited those already detained and has briefed all those who wish to return voluntarily about their options and assistance they can avail of," it added.

The Labor department for its part says DOLE will help them in the repatriation of Filipinos if ever they are to be deported by the Israeli government.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said they will also be given financial and livelihood assistance upon returning.

Bello also encouraged Filipinos living or working in Israel with illegal status to follow the immigration laws in Israel.

“Kung talagang nag-expire na, they have to come home. Huwag silang mag-TNT [tago nang tago],” said Bello.

The DFA earlier asked the Israeli government to "treat overstaying Filipinos in a humane and sensitive manner, since children may be involved." —With a report from JP Soriano/KG, GMA News