The plight of MWDW unfairly deported from Lebanon

In its edition of January 19, the Daily Star published a special feature on the continuous suffering of migrant women domestic workers (MWDW) and foreign workers in general in Lebanon since the issuance of the regulatory order in 2014 by the Directorate of the General Security. According to that recent order, GS has halted the renewal of work permits for foreign workers of the third and fourth categories, namely the under-paid MWDW and agricultural and industrial workforce, who gave birth in Lebanon, and for their children, thus resulting in their deportation. In an interview over the phone with a Sri Lankan MWDW mother of one child, the newspaper cited Rouhini’s lament over her banishment after 20 years of residency in Lebanon. Rouhini who is described by her neighbors as a peaceful person was deported alone leaving her husband and girl behind while the GS continue to refuse to grant her a visa to reunite with her family. To be noted that the decree which was not officially endorsed and yet is being widely implemented despite the noble efforts by ‘Insan’ human rights organization to resolve a number of deportation cases. The Daily Star concluded by pointing out to the unfair sponsorship (kafala) system which remains in effect and which reinforces the mistreatment of foreign workers. (Daily Star, January 19, 2016)