A new smart ID card for a better security control of foreign labor in Lebanon

The Labor Minister, Sajaan Azzi, announced yesterday the launching early next year of the Smart ID Card for foreign workers which he added falls as part of a bigger endeavor. Azzi who was speaking at a press conference in the presence of Hisham Itani, Chair of Encrypt firm in charge of the project stated that as of 1/1/2016, the ministry will start issuing this new smart cards for all foreign workers from all nationalities and sectors of the economy, stressing that the introduction of the new document will enhance transparency and provide increased security and inspection for each and every foreign worker on the Lebanese territory. The smart cards, Azzi explained, “will increase cooperation with the security apparatus and between the ministry and various employers and work institutions.” “Through these smart cards,” Azzi confirmed, “attempts at fraud and cheating will come to an end, because through the fingerprint on the card, the government can identify the worker’s place of work.” The minister also revealed that the cost of the first phase of the project stood at LBP 6 billion. For his part, Itani noted that the new smart card is one of the best in the world and that it complies with international standards. (An Nahar, Al Mustaqbal, Al Diyar, November 26, 2015)