IOM takes over deployment of overseas workers to Israel

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is reportedly set to take charge in the recruitment and deployment of Filipino caregivers to Israel.

The local recruitment industry yesterday reported that they have received reports that the IOM will assume the responsibility of recruiting and deploying OFWs to Israel starting June 1.

“We were told that Israel-based Labor Attache Miriam Cuasay was informed by the IOM about the June 1 take over,” said a recruitment industry leader, who requested anonymity.

The recruitment industry official added that Cuasay is now confirming whether a final agreement has been forged between the Philippine government and the IOM.

Philippine Overseas Employment Administrator (POEA)chief Rosalinda Baldoz, however, said that an agreement with IOM is yet to be finalized. Baldoz confirmed that there were discussions for the possible takeover of IOM on the deployment and recruitment of Filipino care­givers, but it has yet to materialize.

“We had a chance to discuss before with the Israel embassy (the IOM possible take over) but there was no followup and no new development since then,” Baldoz said.

If ever, Baldoz said, IOM has to be authorized in their charter and has to get license from POEA under existing rules before it could recruit and deploy workers to Israel.

If the agreement finally pushes through, IOM will collect from Filipino caregivers aspiring to work in Israel $800 as placement fee.

Of the amount, $500 will be remitted to the IOM and the remaining $300 will be divided between the POEA and the Israel broker.

The Israeli government reportedly wants the IOM to take over the recruitment and deployment of Filipino careworkers so as to curb the number of illegal migrants there.  – Mayen Jaymalin