Azzi focuses now on combating Iranian carpet merchants

A delegation of carpet merchants in Lebanon grieved during a visit yesterday to the labor minister Sajaan Azzi the fierce competition by their Iranian counterparts who have no work permits or legal status, yet are supported by certain local factions. In a statement released yesterday, the ministry disclosed that Iranian carpet dealers have been active in the various Lebanese regions, with special presence in Greater Beirut area. As such, the ministry  has dispatched inspection squads to take the necessary penalty measures against violators. Nevertheless, the statement went on to say, limited sanctions did not deter illegal dealers, hence driving Lebanese carpet shop owners to close their businesses and sack their workers. Moreover, the statement added, a number of Iranian traders tend to operate under sham partnership contracts with Lebanese merchants just to have access to sell their goods, while they avoid recruiting Lebanese workers or allowing their employees to benefit from social security. (Al Akbar, Al Diyar, Al Mustaqbal, November 4, 2016)