The organizations of migrant workers and advocates for the rights and wellbeing of migrants around the world, urge the Israeli government to reverse its decision to order another massive crackdown on undocumented migrant workers including the deportation of entire families which is set to officially start on August 1st 2009.
Even before the said date, it has been reported that the crackdown has actually started as early as July 1. This crackdown is being led by the Interior Ministry’s new immigration authority, and is being enforced by “Oz” unit.
According to the Israeli government, the crackdown is being done because migrant workers cause the rise in unemployment of Israeli citizens. We view this as dangerous as this will encourage xenophobia among the public.
Foreign workers — documented or not — contribute to the economy of labor-importing countries. To use them as scapegoats for the unemployment problem is most unfair, unjust and untrue.
Aside from the crackdown on undocumented migrant workers, Israeli authorities have also decided to deport entire families. This is regressive and inhumane act. These families, who reside in Israel for years without out being, granted any political or social rights were not offered the opportunity to engage in any naturalization track. This runs counter to its 2006 policy whereby 400-500 children and their parents and siblings were given Israeli residency. Such actions can torn families apart and make children vulnerable to various kind of traumas.
While the Israeli government turns its eyes towards undocumented migrants and their families, it is yet to address crucial issues of migrant workers and the extreme exploitation they suffer. Brokers charge migrants up to US$20,000 to be able to work in Israel, there are employers who pay migrants less than the required minimum wage and illegal recruitment is also rampant as many migrants who are recruited find out that no job awaits them in the country.
Thus, we call on the Israeli government to:
Rescind the decision to crackdown on undocumented migrant workers and the deportation of entire families of migrant workers. These policies will result to extreme violations of the rights of migrant workers and the rights of children;
Stop the criminalization of undocumented migrants and recognize the contribution of all foreign workers in Israel. Legalization and not deportation must be pursued.
Stop the “Rotating door” Policy, which invites Migrant workers on one hand, and deports other Migrants on the other hand.
Address the “Binding” Policy practices, which were described by the Israeli High court of Justice as a kind of modern version of slavery.
Desist from further fanning up xenophobia and discrimination against migrant workers.
Address overcharging of brokers, unscrupulous practices of employers and illegal recruitment
Signed:
Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants
Asia Pacific Students and Youth Association (ASA)
Abra Tingguian Ilocano Association (ATIS HK)
Association of Concerned Filipinos (ACFIL)
Bethune House Migrants Women Refuge
Filipino Migrant Workers Union (FMWU)
Friends of Bethune House (FBH)
Filipino Migrants Association (FMA)
Mission for Filipino Migrants (MFMW)
United Filipinos in Hong Kong (UNIFIL HK)
Physicians for Human Rights Israel
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