The Minister of Labor does not object to abolishing employment office if foreign workers ready to bear full responsibility

INSAN released last week the findings of its study conducted with employers and migrant domestic workers regarding their views of the Kafala (sponsorship) system which regulates the employment of migrant women domestic workers in Lebanon and their views of possible alternatives which could better secure the rights of both parties.  The event took place during a press conference held by INSAN under the auspices of the Minister of Labour, Sejaan Azzi.
Azzi insisted that the need to abide by the Lebanese labor laws which, according to him, guarantees the full rights and dignity of migrant workers.  He added that he did not mind “overplaying” the problem of the rights of migrant workers but it is unacceptable to make the country look as if it does not respect their rights especially that Lebanon contributed to drafting the Charter of Human Rights (!!?) and Lebanon has the first labor law in the region.  He insisted that migrant workers are “comfortable” in Lebanon and that is why they come here (!!!!?).  He added that Lebanon has a labor law, a Ministry of Labor, general security and police and anybody who feels unjustly treated can go to any of them.  He reiterated his proposal to abolish employment offices, if sending countries agree. In that case migrant workers should take full responsibility of their accommodation, food, clothing and medical care.  He added that migrant workers should abide by the law as long as their Lebanese employers pay them a wage which they have accepted.  He added that is there is any abuse by some employers, the responsibility does not lie on the Lebanese side only but also on the side of the migrant workers as wheels and deals do not only start at the airport in Beirut but in the sending countries as well.

Source: Al-Nahar, Al-Diyar 30 June 2014