Home-Based Caregivers - Israel-Philippines Program

Filipino caregivers are a vital part of Israel’s eldercare system. Approximately 30,000 Filipinos currently work in caregiving roles in Israel, comprising roughly one-third of the country’s formal caregiving workforce. Recruitment is ongoing through the bilateral government-to-government program between Israel and the Philippines.

The Role

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Home-based caregivers provide daily living assistance to elderly and disabled Israelis in their own homes. Duties typically include:

• Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Meal preparation and feeding assistance
• Medication reminders and basic health monitoring
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Companionship and emotional support
• Accompanying the care recipient to appointments and errands
• Overnight care as needed

Caregivers live in the home of the person they care for (live-in arrangement), with designated rest hours and a weekly day off.

Requirements

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• TESDA NC II Certificate in Caregiving — a 760-hour training program accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority of the Philippines. This certification is mandatory for deployment to Israel.
• Valid Philippine passport
• Good physical health (medical exam required)
• Basic English communication skills
• No criminal record
• Age: typically 23–50 years old

Recruitment Process

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Recruitment is conducted through the government-to-government (G2G) program and POEA-licensed recruitment agencies. The process typically involves:

1. Register with a POEA-licensed recruitment agency or through the government program
2. Complete TESDA NC II certification (if not already certified)
3. Pass medical examinations at an accredited clinic
4. Attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)
5. Obtain your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from POEA
6. Visa processing through the Israeli consulate in Manila
7. Deployment to Israel

Important: Use only POEA-licensed agencies. Check the agency’s status on the POEA website. Never pay excessive placement fees — the Philippine government regulates what agencies may charge.

Compensation and Benefits

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• Salary: approximately $1,500 per month (varies based on care needs and location)
• Free accommodation (live-in with the care recipient)
• Health insurance provided by the employer
• One day off per week
• Paid holidays according to Israeli labor law
• Overtime pay for hours beyond the standard workweek
• Annual flight ticket to the Philippines (in many contracts)

Key Resources

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• iSavta — Israel’s largest caregiver job platform, connecting caregivers with families
• POEA Jobs — Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, for verifying licensed agencies and job orders
• Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv: +972-3-613-5020
• OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) hotline: 1348 (from the Philippines)

Rights and Protections

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Filipino caregivers in Israel are protected under Israeli labor law and are entitled to:

• Minimum wage
• Rest hours and a weekly day off
• Health insurance
• Protection against abuse or exploitation
• Access to the Philippine Embassy for consular assistance
• The right to change employers under certain conditions (with PIBA approval)

For questions about this program, contact Asians in Israel or reach out to the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv.