Migrant Workers in Lebanon Face Harrowing Conditions Amidst Conflict

By Oliver Marsden, CNN

Beirut, Lebanon — In the wake of recent Israeli airstrikes, many migrant workers in Lebanon find themselves in perilous situations, abandoned by their employers and struggling to survive. Among them is Mariatu Swaray, a domestic worker from Sierra Leone, who, with her three-month-old son Abdul Mohammad, is now sheltering in a makeshift refuge after being left to fend for themselves.

When the first airstrikes rattled Beirut, Swaray urgently sought help from her employers, who had already fled the country. Hours later, a missile struck the neighboring building, further escalating her fears. “I heard the bombing, and I was so scared,” she recounted, describing the frantic moments that led her to flee with her child.

After spending two weeks on the streets, Swaray and over 150 other women and children from Sierra Leone now reside in a dim, damp warehouse, where they struggle with the bare necessities. With only a single charging point for their phones, many lack the means to reach out to family back home. “I haven’t spoken to my family for ten days,” Swaray lamented, her concern for their well-being evident.

The ongoing conflict has displaced over 1.2 million people, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, exacerbating the already dire situation for many of the estimated 177,000 migrant workers in Lebanon. Most of these workers are bound by the ‘kafala’ sponsorship system, which restricts their rights and agency, often leaving them vulnerable in times of crisis.

The kafala system has been described as a form of modern-day slavery, where employers control the workers' passports, exempting them from labor protections. In Lebanon, 76% of migrant workers and 99% of migrant domestic workers are women, highlighting their increased vulnerability in crisis situations.

Nour Shawaf, a regional humanitarian policy advisor for Oxfam, noted that the current airstrikes have intensified the plight of these workers, many of whom have been abandoned by employers fleeing the violence. One anonymous migrant recounted how her employers left her behind, claiming they would return soon. They never did.

With official shelters overwhelmed, many women have resorted to sleeping on the streets. As conditions worsen, the risk of trafficking increases, leaving them even more exposed. Local volunteers, like Lea Ghorayeb and her friends, stepped in to create a refuge for these women, raising funds and providing essential supplies. “The operation is becoming a bit more difficult every day, but we are trying to find solutions,” Ghorayeb said, emphasizing their commitment to helping the displaced women.

Despite their efforts, many women feel abandoned by their own governments. Samir Bahoun, a consulate office manager, stated that the consulate only deals with employers or organizations on behalf of the workers, leaving those abandoned with little recourse.

As the conflict rages on, the need for immediate action is critical. Grassroots organizations like Migrant Workers Action are advocating for the rights of migrant workers, urging for better immigration and labor laws to protect those left vulnerable.

For many, the future remains uncertain. Asha Mohammad Yasin, an Ethiopian migrant, described fleeing her home and witnessing the devastation around her. “We are safe now, but we are not happy. We don’t know where we will go,” she reflected, embodying the fears shared by countless displaced families.

As the situation evolves, keeping informed is essential. For updates on this ongoing crisis, follow my Twitter account @dark_web24.