Palestinians reject Lebanon's move to regulate foreign labor
The Lebanese Ministry of Labor is cracking down on foreign workers to ensure they have valid work permits, which has raised the ire of Palestinians there who say the move will affect their status as refugees.
BEIRUT — Lebanese Minister of Labor Camille Abu Suleiman's decision not to exclude Palestinian workers from an effort to regulate foreign workers has provoked a wave of anger and resentment in the Palestinian refugee camps there, where protests are ongoing.
Abu Suleiman affirmed to Al-Monitor that he will continue implementing this plan until the Labor Law can be amended in parliament to address their grievances.
The protests aren't confined to Palestinians, as some Lebanese citizens also reject the measures. Lebanese and Palestinians demonstrated July 30 in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon. The day before, Lebanese and Palestinians held in a sit-in in front of the Labor Ministry for the same purpose.
Businesses in Lebanon that employ illegal foreign workers of any nationality were given a month, until July 9, to resolve their situation. As per these requirements, employers must grant their foreign workers employment contracts and register them under social security. Foreign workers then will be able to apply for a valid work permit.
