Life in shadows for invisible workers who fear deportation

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In response to high unemployment in 2002, the government of Ariel Sharon decided to send home 263,000 foreign workers: 10% of Israel's workforce.

The majority arrived after the outbreak of the first intifada in 1987 when Palestinians were prevented from entering Israel to work.

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David - not his real name - has a degree in drama and philosophy, but cleans houses in Israel for £3.50 an hour. In a good month he sends £300 to his extended family.

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The police have targeted Africans, Indians and South Americans because they stand out from the crowd. "There are thousands of new illegal Russian immigrants from the Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova. They blend in. With other groups like the Filipinos, if they arrest 20, they might find one who is illegal so they don't bother."

Guardian UK