The Palestinian labor force in Lebanon constitute 5% of total labor force and 15% of foreign labor force

UNRWA, the ILO and LPDC inaugurated yesterday the Centre for employment promotion and social protection which is funded by the European Union.  The event included showcasing material and outputs related to improving employment opportunities and social protection of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon in addition to studies, reports and policy briefs on challenges and recommendations based on statistics on the Palestinian labor force in Lebanon and its situation.

A documentary film by Philip Bijjali was also presented about a number of key information such as:  Palestinian labor force represents 42% of the total Palestinian refugee population living in Lebanon, which does not exceed 260 – 280 thousand people, according to the joint study conducted by AUB and UNRWA. Hence, the total Palestinian labor force amounts approximately to 75000 worker, which is around 5% of the total labor force in Lebanon (Lebanese and foreigners), and less than 15% of the total foreign labor force. The film also shed the light on the realities of these workers, indicating that only a low percentage of them have a contract, while only an insignificant percentage have heath insurance (5%), paid leaves or paid sick leaves, which is the case also for pension or end of service indemnities. The film also indicated that the average monthly salary for a Palestinian worker is LBP 537,000, which is below the official minimum wage, and represents 80% of the average monthly salary of a Lebanese worker. The event was concluded with recommendations namely lifting legal barriers so as to avoid situations of illegal work, correcting the injustice in NSSF contributions, and facilitating Palestinians’ access to syndicated professions.

Source: Al-Mustaqbal, Al-Diyar 26 June 2014