General Security starts preventing the renewal of residency permits for migrant workers and their underage children

Nine CSOs, namely: Anti Racism Movement, ALEF, HRW, Insan Association, Lebanese Centre for Human Rights, Legal Agenda, Migrant Community Center, Migrant Workers Task Force (MWTF), AJEM, issued a joint statement yesterday condemning the recent decision of Internal Security and which stipulates the suspension of residency permit renewal for a number of low paid migrant workers as well as to their underage children born in Lebanon.  The signatories noted that this new decision violates the right to family life.  The statement also noted that some 12 migrant women who have been residing in Lebanon for prolonged periods, have informed the CSOs of being denied residency renewal for them and for their children.  Some were told that they do not have the right to have children in Lebanon and were asked to leave the country some during a period of no more than 48 hours.
The statement also noted, based on sources within General Security that GS issued a new order related to children of low paid migrant workers as well as their fathers and mothers.  The same source added that GS has not yet responded to the several appeals issued by CSOs requesting to receive a copy of this new decision.  The statement noted that, previously, migrant workers could apply for one-year residency permits for their children until 4 years of age and continue to apply for residency if their children enroll in schools.

Source: Al-Safir, Al-Mustaqbal, L’Orient Le jour 4 September 2014