Access to Social Protection by Immigrants, Emigrants and Resident Nationals in Lebanon

Abstract

Although Lebanese social protection schemes are heavily fragmented, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is the primary provider of end-of-service indemnity, health care and family benefits. However, only Lebanese who are formally employed or foreigners originating from countries which provide equal or better social protection to Lebanese citizens are eligible to enrol in the fund according to the 1963 Social Security Law. Those not enrolled must often rely on ad hoc social protection services provided by non-governmental or international organisations to obtain (limited) social services. Migrants, including Palestinians, Sri Lankans, Indonesians and Syrians are particularly vulnerable as they are ineligible to enrol in the NSSF. Also, Lebanese nationals residing abroad are ineligible to obtain benefits from the National Social Security Fund.

Who Needs Security in a Crisis? Evidence from an In-the-Field Choice Experiment in Lebanon

“…Per this principle, foreign workers are eligible for social security only if their home country provides similar protection to Lebanese workers. Only four countries meet this criterion: France, Belgium, the UK and Italy, with Syria being a notable omission despite its significant representation within the country's working population (Tabar et al, 2020). This drives many foreign workers out of the formal labour market, as they are otherwise obliged to contribute to the NSSF without benefiting from its coverage.…”

“…However, it can also be more expensive and less accessible for low-income workers in agriculture, trade, or elementary occupations (CAS and ILO, 2019) Employers are also obligated by law to provide written employment contracts to their employees, regardless of the type of employment arrangement. While they are typically associated with formal work arrangements, contracts can also be offered in informal jobs to help define the terms and conditions of employment, including job responsibilities, working hours and wages (Tabar et al, 2020). This imparts a more formal character to the job, signifying a commitment to clarity and mutual understanding between employers and workers.…”

Second-Generation Lebanese–Venezuelan Return Migration. (c2021)

“…and such health insurance policies do not include foreigners, which would be the case for returnees who do not have citizenship (Tabar, Denison, Alkhomassy, 2020). Also, the violent crime rate, rampant in Venezuela, is considered significantly better in Lebanon;…”

“…Given the severity of crises in the country and lack of social protection services (Tabar, Denison, Alkhomassy, 2020), the impetus to (re-)emigrate, regardless of their readiness and willingness to do so, is undoubtedly high.…”