An upcoming movement in Lebanon towards illegal foreign workers. Here is its date

The Economic, Social and Environmental Council held a dialogue meeting with the Minister of Labor, Dr. Mohamed Haidar, on “The Labor Market in Lebanon: Challenges and Opportunities for Reform,” at the invitation of the Chairman of the Council, Charles Arbid, devoted to discussing the issues of social security, unemployment, foreign labor, and regulating the labor market.

Haider stressed that the Ministry of Labor places the protection of the Lebanese labor force at the top of its priorities, calling on Lebanese youth to engage in various sectors, and not to limit job opportunities to office jobs, especially with the approaching reconstruction phase that requires broad participation of local competencies and labor force.

He stressed that the basic decrees of the Retirement and Social Protection Law are ready, and that its implementation will begin after the appointment of a new board of directors for the National Social Security Fund, ensuring the organization of retirement files and end-of-service compensation.

Regarding the foreign workers file, Haider announced that the Ministry will begin, starting next October, to implement strict measures against foreign workers residing illegally, including detention and deportation, in addition to taking legal measures against violating employers, noting that the deadline for settling the situation that was launched in coordination with Public Security did not achieve the desired results due to the war conditions.

For his part, President of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, Charles Arbid, described the meeting as “frank and hearty,” stressing that the discussion addressed the most prominent challenges facing the labor market, most notably social security, unemployment, illegal employment, and workers’ rights.

He pointed out that strengthening the National Social Security Fund constitutes a priority, calling for accelerating the appointment of a new board of directors, in preparation for the implementation of the Retirement and Social Protection Law. He also stressed the need to give priority to the Lebanese workforce, regulate the labor market, and address the conditions of unregistered institutions.

Arbid announced that the Council will complete research into these files during a session held in Next August 5It will issue a working paper that includes the Council’s vision for reforming the labor market in Lebanon.