Canada: 50 Israelis arrested for illegal work

In most cases illegal workers incarcerated for short period, then deported. 'Most of them cheated by employers,' ministry says

Itamar Eichner|Published: 11.22.11 , 10:58

Some 50 Israeli nationals have been arrested in Canada this month for illegally selling Dead Sea cosmetics at local shopping malls, the Yedioth Ahronoth daily reported Tuesday.

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Detainees usually remain incarcerated for a few days or weeks and are then deported to Israel. In most cases the detainees are also banned from entering Canada for several years.

Many Israelis who are banned from entering Canada are arrested at the airport, taken into custody and then deported the following day.

According to reports, Canadian authorities are taking a much tougher stand against foreign nationals working without a permit at local malls. A similar trend has been reported in the US, where the past few years have seen thousands of Israelis arrested, deported and banned from entering the States for a minimum of 10 years.

The strict measures have apparently failed to deter Israelis looking to make a quick buck abroad.

"We warn young Israelis not to work illegally," Foreign Ministry official Ilana Ravid said. "Most of the Israelis have been presented with false documentation and therefore believe they are working legally. We suggest that young Israelis double-check these licenses."