Foreign worker rights
In Israel, foreign workers are an integral part of the economy and society. They come here from all corners of the world, leaving behind families and communities, to work and earn a decent living. They contribute greatly to various industries such as agriculture, construction, nursing and more, and provide essential services to the local population.
But alongside their great contribution, it is important that we also remember our responsibility towards them – to ensure that they receive fair treatment, adequate conditions, and full rights.
Foreign worker rights are not just laws on paper, but also an expression of our moral obligation to give them the respect they deserve.
The right to fair wages and social conditions
One of the most basic and important rights of every foreign worker is the right to fair wages and full social conditions.
A foreign worker is entitled to a salary that will not be less than the minimum wage set by law, and it is important to ensure that he receives all the social benefits to which he is entitled, such as vacation days, sick days, convalescence pay, and payment for overtime.
In practice, situations often arise where foreign workers are unaware of their rights or where employers do not ensure full payment.
This is a situation that must not be agreed to. An employer must ensure that a foreign worker receives everything he is entitled to under the law, without cutting corners and without exploiting knowledge gaps or language gaps.
This is the basis for maintaining the human dignity of workers.
Adequate living conditions
In Israel, a large portion of foreign workers, especially in the nursing field, live in the employer’s home.
Their living conditions must be adequate and provide them with all the basic amenities. This means a clean, spacious place to live, equipped with everything needed for a decent living. It is important to maintain the worker’s privacy, ensure that they have a private and quiet space, and provide them with free access to the means of communication so that they can maintain contact with their family and community in their country of origin.
Right to rest and privacy
Foreign workers, like any other worker, are entitled to rest and privacy. It is important to set clear working hours and respect their rest periods.
For example, a foreign worker in the nursing field, who lives in the employer’s home, does not need to be available 24/7, but rather receive the rest periods to which he is entitled by law.
We must understand that the employee, even though he lives in the patient’s home, is entitled to hours during which he is free from his duties and can rest and enjoy his personal time.
Health rights and medical insurance
One of the most important rights is the right to comprehensive medical insurance. Every employer must ensure that the foreign worker is covered by health insurance that provides him with access to medical care if necessary. This includes coverage for medical treatments, medications, and hospitalization in serious cases. In cases where medical help is required, the employee needs to know that he has access to treatment without fear of high costs or loss of income.
Prevention of exploitation and harm
Exploitation and harm to foreign workers are situations that must not be accepted under any circumstances. These are cases where the worker is pressured, exploited for personal distress, or unaware of his rights.
Which causes him to work in difficult or illegal conditions. We, as a society, must ensure that foreign workers are not harmed physically or mentally.
It is our responsibility to report any concerns about exploitation or harm, and to ensure that employees receive the most appropriate and respectful treatment.
Humane and caring treatment
Beyond basic rights, every foreign worker is entitled to humane and caring treatment from the employer and the environment.
They come here to work and contribute, but it is important that we remember that they are far from their families and the place where they grew up.
Good interpersonal relationships, patience, and understanding are the key to creating a supportive and respectful environment.
Integrating foreign workers into the local community
Foreign workers should not feel isolated in the society in which they work. As part of our role as employers and members of the community, we should encourage their integration into local society, help them get to know Israeli culture, and support them in maintaining their cultural identity. For example, organizing social gatherings, helping them learn Hebrew, or even encouraging them to participate in community activities can contribute greatly to improving their quality of life and their personal well-being.
Protection against unjustified deportation
The employment of foreign workers is carried out within a clear set of laws, and employers have a responsibility to ensure that every action they take is legal and justified.
In cases where the need arises to terminate the employment of a foreign worker, it must be ensured that the process is carried out fairly and transparently, in accordance with the law and the worker’s rights.
Unjustified expulsion or unlawful dismissal may lead to serious violations of the employee’s rights, so it is important to act carefully and honestly.
Gratitude and appreciation
Foreign workers perform critical roles in Israeli society, often under difficult conditions.
It is important to remember that expressing gratitude and appreciation for the hard work they do is a significant component of maintaining good working relationships.
The process of gratitude is not just about ensuring their rights, but also about expressing daily appreciation through small words and actions.
A personal word about rights and obligations
When it comes to foreign worker rights, it is important that we understand that these rights are not just a legal obligation – they are also a human and moral responsibility. Every foreign worker who comes to work in Israel brings with them personal stories, dreams and aspirations. Our role, as employers and as a society, is to ensure that they are treated fairly and respectfully.
We must recognize that they are full partners in the work, and stand behind them when they need us.
Our role as employers
As a company that employs foreign workers, we see our role not only as intermediaries between the employee and the employer, but also as those who take on the responsibility of ensuring that rights are protected. We work continuously to ensure that every employee receives the conditions they deserve, that wages are paid in full and on time, and that each of them can work with dignity and safety.
When it comes to foreign worker rights, we must remember that these are basic human rights. Every worker is entitled to the conditions they deserve, and the respect that every human being deserves.
It’s not just a matter of law – it’s a matter of morality and social responsibility. As a society and as individuals, we need to be there to protect them, support them and ensure they get the best.
Respect, fairness and caring are the values that guide us in our work. We believe that the foundation of successful employment is respecting the rights of employees,
And ensuring them is the best way to create a positive, healthy, and respectful work environment for everyone.
