Thai migrant workers in Israel have been guaranteed fair treatment by the Embassy of Israel, despite claims that employers were withholding payments to keep them in the country during the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict.
The embassy issued a statement to the Thai authorities, assuring them that the Israeli government is making every effort to ensure that Thai workers are treated fairly, in response to recent rumors about their treatment. The embassy emphasized that the Israeli government has not imposed any restrictions on workers who wish to return home and that they will be able to resume their jobs once the conflict subsides.
Furthermore, the embassy confirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture has agreed to extend work visas for Thai workers for an additional year, with the possibility of extending for another year. To support the workers, the ministry will provide compensation of 20 million Shekels (THB180 million) and monthly grants to foreign workers stationed along the Gaza Strip until the end of this year. To ensure the safety of workers, the ministry has established 430 shelters in agricultural areas across the country.
This response comes after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin criticized Israeli employers for delaying payments until November 10th, with the intention of pressuring Thai migrant workers to remain in Israel during the Israel-Hamas conflict. He urged the workers to return home, emphasizing the risks to their lives during this period of conflict and assuring them that the government would assist them in finding employment opportunities in Thailand.
Around 30,000 Thai laborers are currently employed in Israel’s agricultural and food sectors. Israel’s Ambassador, Orna Sagiv, conveyed her deep respect for the dedication of Thai workers in safeguarding Israel’s food supply chain during these turbulent times. She remarked, “We greatly value the commitment of Thai workers, which guarantees ongoing food security for all the residents of the State of Israel.” More than 3,400 Thai nationals have left Israel as of Wednesday still.
There seems to be no end to corruption. Sounds a lot like slavery.