The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Migrant workers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 25, 2005

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Migrant workers

Sir, — Regarding the piece "Israel migrant workers' raw deal" (Feb. 22) please note that those foreigners who are legally employed in Israel enjoy full rights under Israel's Labour Laws including minimum wage, social security, medical care, etc. Regrettably, there are those who work in Israel illegally, whether in breach of a tourist visa or through the operation of human trafficking networks. They are indeed in a vulnerable position and open to abuse. The Israeli authorities offer such workers protection from their abusers, as well as bringing the traffickers to justice. But Israel cannot be expected to absorb as immigrants persons who have no right to be there in the first place.

Children of foreign workers, even if in Israel illegally, are given access to free schooling and to medical care. The allegation made in the article that illegal workers are not absorbed into society just because they are not Jewish is absurd. In addition to Jewish immigration, Israel has a law of naturalisation by which any person can gain residency and eventually citizenship, regardless of their background, but an obvious pre-condition is legal presence in the country. Israel's policies regarding foreign workers adhere to the highest international standards.

Michal Gur-Aryeh,
Spokesperson,
Embassy of Israel, New Delhi

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News Update

Stories in this Section

ON UNCONSCIONABLE DROPOUT RATES

BIHAR BATTLELINES

How human would the human face be?

Improving the farmers' lot