After the hiring of Filipino hotel workers in Israel, the Philippines is looking to deploy Filipino professionals for mid-level management positions in the Israeli hotel workforce.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disclosed that the Philippines, through its embassy in the foreign country, "continues to initiate discussions" to facilitate the entry of Filipinos in other areas of the hotel workforce there.
"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 possible on-the-job training arrangements for Filipino students.
It was also disclosed that the embassy also sees potential opportunities for Filipino workers in the Israeli aerospace and medical sectors.
Meanwhile, 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 61 Filipino hotel workers arrived in the Holy Land on June 2.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Macairog Alberto, who welcomed the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), encouraged the nationals "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.
According to the DFA, the hiring of Filipinos pushed through after "a long delay caused by the pandemic" under the joint efforts of the embassy, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), 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 workforce.