Foreign workers in Israel often have to pay exorbitant ‘placement fees’ to secure work in the country, which has left many of them with too much debt to leave
Migrant workers in Israel have said that they are unable to return home to their families after the 7 October attacks as they are trapped in debt from the high recruitment fees they had to pay for their jobs.
It is understood that at least 50 migrant workers died in Israel during the attacks by the Hamas militant group; 30 Thai nationals, four Filipinos and 10 Nepalis are so far known to have been killed, according to government and media reports. There are reportedly more than 100,000 foreign workers in Israel, with the majority working as caregivers, as well as in agriculture and construction.
The Guardian spoke to several migrant workers about their desire to return home and their fears of remaining in Israel after they were caught up in the attacks, which left more than 1,300 people dead.
Read full story here: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/oct/23/trapped-by-debt-migrant-workers-in-israel-unable-to-escape-conflict
Katie McQue 