Philippines is working on the deployment of professionals for mid-level management positions in the Israel hotel industry following the hiring of Filipino hotel workers there.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs revealed that the Philippine Embassy in Israel “continues to initiate discussions” to facilitate the entry of Filipinos in the Israeli hotel sector.
“The Embassy continues to initiate discussions with relevant Philippine and Israeli partners in order to facilitate the entry of Filipino workers into other areas of the Israeli hotel workforce,” the DFA said.
The prospect areas include professionals for mid-level management positions, as well as concierge and front desk sections, culinary graduates for kitchen and bar services, and possibly on-the-job training arrangements for Filipino students.
The DFA said the embassy also sees potential opportunities for Filipino workers in the Israeli aerospace and medical sectors.
At least 61 Filipino hotel workers recently deployed to Israel will work in hotels in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Caesarea, and Tiberias and resorts and spas near the Dead Sea.
The group arrived in the Holy Land on June 2.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Macairog Alberto, who welcomed the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), encouraged the group “to not only do their best in their jobs but to also enjoy their work.”
Alberto told the OFWs that the Embassy will assist them as they fulfill their goals to help their families back home.
Upon arrival, they were briefed on common work-related issues encountered by Filipinos in Israel.
The deployment of the hotel workers fulfills the bilateral labor agreement signed during the visit of President Duterte to Israel in 2018, which facilitates the hiring of Filipinos for the Israeli hospitality sector.
Under the agreement, Filipino hotel workers are protected from abusive deployment agencies and enjoy benefits such as health insurance, pension savings, and competitive salaries.
The DFA stressed that the hiring of Filipinos pushed through after “a long delay caused by the pandemic” under the joint efforts of the embassy, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Israeli government agencies, and partners within the Israeli tourism and hotel sectors.
The hotel sector is the second labor market, following caregiving, opened by Israel to Filipinos. At present, Filipinos and Jordanians are the only foreigners allowed in Israel’s hotel industry.