Tel Aviv and the UN Agree to Send Economic Migrants from Israel to Western Countries

Under an agreement between the Israeli government and the United Nations, more than 16,000 African job seekers and migrants in Israel will be allowed to relocate to Western countries. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced on Monday, April 1, that based on the agreement with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Israel will also clarify the status of 18,000 other Africans. This agreement signifies the cessation of the Israeli government's plan to imprison Africans who refuse voluntary departure from the country. Thousands of them were supposed to be imprisoned starting this week to ultimately force them to accept resettlement in a third country in Africa. The Prime Minister's Office stated that "legal requirements and political issues from third countries that previously accepted migrants made reaching new agreements necessary." It also added that "the new decisions are in accordance with international law." Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Office had previously supported the expulsion of African migrants, comparing it to the expulsion programs of "advanced countries, especially the United States." According to the new agreement, in addition to transferring 16,250 African job seekers to Western countries, Israel will allow 18,000 other migrants to reside and work for the next five years, relocating them to cities other than Tel Aviv. The report indicates that recently Israel has forcibly transferred hundreds of Africans to third countries among African nations. Two months ago, 20,000 of them were warned to accept $3,500 in aid and a free plane ticket to go to a third country like Rwanda. Avigdor Lieberman, Israel's Defense Minister, also raised the issue of further expelling African migrants from Israel during a recent trip to several African countries, including Rwanda. The government's action to take thousands of African migrants to enclosed camps in southern Israel and forcibly expel them has divided politicians and Israeli society. Proponents of expulsion view migrants as a reason for demographic changes in southern Tel Aviv and the spread of "crime," while opponents, citing international laws, remind that Jews, who have themselves been displaced from many countries around the world, should show flexibility and compassion. Reports indicate that thousands of Israelis have recently protested against the forced expulsion of migrants in various cities, especially Tel Aviv. Israel grants citizenship to Jews from around the world who wish to live in the country. Obtaining citizenship and work permits is granted in specific cases and based on special regulations and processes in this country, and does not include economic migrants and other migrants. The Israeli movement "Stop the Expulsions" stated on Monday that hundreds of thousands of Israelis opposed the expulsion of people to third countries and the uncertain fate awaiting them. This movement described the Israeli government's agreement with the United Nations as "an unprecedented achievement." Before the construction of the high border fence between Egypt and Israel, 64,000 Africans, mostly from countries like South Sudan and Eritrea, had walked to Israel for living and work since 2005.