Deported Pinay overstayed in Israel for 12 years

According to The Times of Israel, Rosemarie Perez and her son Rohan were put on a plane and deported under guard, a day after a similar attempt failed when the mother struggled while onboard the aircraft. (Pixabay Photo)

MANILA— The Filipina, who was recently deported along with her son, had been overstaying in Israel for 12 years, a violation under Israeli law, the Israeli embassy in Manila said on Tuesday.

According to The Times of Israel, Rosemarie Perez and her son Rohan were put on a plane and deported under guard, a day after a similar attempt failed when the mother struggled while onboard the aircraft.

“In the recent case, the OFW (overseas Filipino worker) was illegally staying in Israel for 12 years, after the expiration of her working visa. The case was scrutinized by the Supreme Court of Israel, and has been approved,” the embassy said in a statement sent to the media.

Hundreds of Filipinos, including their children, in Israel, are at risk of losing their residency status and are facing deportation due to overstaying. Under Israeli law, a foreign worker is allowed to live and work in Israel for only up to five years.

“It is expected from every foreign worker to abide by the law and to leave the country upon the expiration of his working permit,” the embassy said.

Driven by humanitarian considerations, the embassy noted that the Population Immigration and Border Authority even allowed the concerned foreigners’ children, currently enrolled in schools, to stay in Israel until the end of the school year.

The embassy said they also attach “great significance” to the working conditions of Filipinos and continue to recognize the OFWs contribution to Israel’s labor force.

“The State of Israel greatly appreciates the contribution of the overseas Filipino workers who have been staying and living in Israel for so many years,” it said.

“The government of Israel attaches a great significance to the working conditions of the Filipino workers and it was demonstrated by the signing the historical bilateral labor agreement between the two countries which intends to improve the rights of the OFWs and dramatically reduce the placement fees,” it added.