Ilo Report Finds West Bank, Gaza Arab Workers Increase in Israel

The number of Arab workers in Israel from the occupied territories increased sharply during the final quarter of 1983. Their condition improved somewhat but problems remain, according to a report submitted by the Director General of the International Labor Organization (ILO) to the annual confrerence of the ILO here today.

The report is based on the findings of a three-man team that visited the territories. They concluded that Arab workers in the territories — West Bank and Gaza–are still largely dependent on jobs available in Israel or in Arab countries.

The number of Arabs from the territories employed in Israel stood at 85,000 in September, 1983, according to the official count. By the end of the year it was estimated at 92,000. Workmen’s compensation is provided for an increasing number. Between 60 and 68 percent of the Arab population in the territories is presently convered by medical insurance.

Arab workers in Israel are free to seek any employment, the report said. But there are about 35,000 illegal workers — hired by Israeli employers outside the labor exchanges — who do not receive social benefits. About 20 percent of them are minors without secondary education.

Arab workers from the territories who are employed in Israel are obliged to contribute to the natioanal insurance scheme. But because they are not full-time residents of Israel they are not entitled to certain benefits. On the other hand, Jewish settlers in the territories are not bound by the residence requirements.

The ILO team found serious problems in East Jerusalem where 200 Arab doctors can find no employment. The overall job situation there has been aggravated by the decline of tourism and reduced construction work. The ILO found that 85 percent of the Arab population could not survive without outside help.