In response to the challenging circumstances Filipino caregivers are facing in Israel, the Israeli government has announced it is extending an amnesty period, thereby allowing them to keep working in the country even past the expiration date of their work permits.
The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv disclosed this information in a recent advisory. It said the Population Immigration and Border Authority (PIBA) officially prolonged the deadline, acknowledging the difficulties confronting both the caregivers and their Israeli employers.
This decision comes after the Humanitarian Committee denied requests from employers to extend the work licenses of their foreign caregivers. Originally set to conclude on April 30, 2024, the amnesty program, which was initiated on January 10, 2024, will now continue until July 31, 2024.
During this extended period, caregivers with expired work permits, including those from the Philippines, who are actively pursuing new permits under Section 1EG of the Foreign Workers law of 1991, will not face apprehension.
However, it is important to note that caregivers currently employed in Israeli households must ensure they fulfill all necessary requirements before the initial deadline of April 30, 2024. There are roughly 30,000 Filipino caregivers in Israel.
The PIBA amnesty extension provides a crucial lifeline for both caregivers and their employers, offering them more time to navigate the bureaucratic processes involved in obtaining new work permits, thus ensuring continuity of care for Israel’s ailing citizens.