By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Authorities in Malawi have confirmed the deportation of 12 nationals from Israel who had deserted farms where they had been employed as workers
In a statement, Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu said the workers had valid visas to work in specific farms, but had “breached their contract” by going to work at a bakery.
The 12 Malawians were among over 40 foreign workers who were arrested while working at a bakery in Tel Aviv last week.
It was illegal under Israeli law for a foreign worker to change jobs without following the right procedures, the information Minister emphasized.
He cautioned all Malawian migrant workers in Israel “to desist from such behaviour as it puts this country into disrepute”.
“Such behaviour may also reduce employment opportunities of the individuals concerned,” he said.
Heritage Times reports that hundreds of Malawians had travelled to Israel last year to fill a labour gap on Israel’s farms.
Thousands of Israeli workers had left following the outbreak of war with Hamas on October 7.
It came as part of a labour export deal signed between the two countries in 2022.
The workers have blamed poor pay for their decision to search for other jobs in the city centre.
