MoL calls on employers to bear the cost of foreign employees

The Ministry of Labor (MoL), issued a statement last Friday calling on all employers to bear the costs of recruiting foreign workers including paying for work permits and NSSF subscriptions.  The ministry statement reminded employers of the yearly costs which amount to LBP 1,800,000 for category 1, LBP 960,000 for category 2, LBP 480,000 for category three and LBP 240,000 for category 4 in addition to insurance costs and lab tests.  The Ministry also added that Syrian employers and employees only pay 25% of the above charges whilst Palestinian refugees are exempt from work permit fees as per law 129/2010.  Azzi explained that the new procedures to issue entry visas for Syrians or any other foreign national do not waive the need to have work permits.  The statement concludes with a warning that any failure to abide by the above will render employers liable to prosecution according to the laws in force.

(Source: Al-Diyar- Al-Mustaqbal 12 January 2015)