Israel says it will look into claims that employers mistreated Thai workers after the deaths of 72 migrant workers over the last three years.
Speaking after a meeting Tuesday with Amnon Ben-Ami, director general of Israel's Population, Immigration and Border Authority (PIBA), Employment Department chief Sumet Mahosot said Israel authorities had agreed to send medical teams to meet the Public Health Ministry to investigate the deaths.
He had questions about whether some were fit enough for the work. Mr Sumet said Thais wanting to work in Israel would have to undergo a physical fitness test including completing a 500-metre run within five minutes.
An electrocardiogram to assess heart activity would also be provided for an additional 250 baht fee.
According to Israel's labour authority, 72 Thai workers have died between 2012 and April this year.
Of the 72, six died of heart failure while the 66 other workers reportedly died from sudden unexpected death syndrome (SUDS) in which the cause of death had not yet been determined.
Mr Sumet said autopsies on Thais who died from SUDS would only be carried out if the authorities received permission from the families of the deceased.
As for three Thai workers who died in an accident after they were hit by a lorry, Israeli authorities confirmed their families would receive compensation.
Stricter measures would be used in the recruitment process to screen for illegal drug use among Thai workers.
Those with a history of drug abuse will be barred from working in Israel while those found using drugs at work would be prosecuted and deported.
Israeli authorities will also work with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board to improve measures to prevent illegal drug use among Thai workers.
Mr Sumet also said a joint panel between Thai and Israeli authorities would be set up to provide better access to welfare and other benefits for Thai workers.
Meanwhile, Mr Amnon said the Israeli government has always paid heed to providing assistance to foreign workers.
The problem of employment brokers demanding large sums from Thai workers had been addressed by the Israeli government recruiting directly from the Thai government rather than relying on brokers to fill jobs.
The number of Thai immigrant workers in Israel was accordingly expected to increase from 22,000 to 27,000 in coming months.
Mr Amnon said Israeli employers who breached labour protection law would be punished.
Charges have been brought against 3,349 employers for labour law breaches in the past three years.
They also face fines totalling around 90 million baht.