Impact of COVID-19 on migrant workers in Lebanon and what employers can do about it

In Lebanon, the health emergency relating to COVID-19 is aggravating the broader socio- economic crisis and policymakers are under pressure to deliver a comprehensive response to both crises in a timely manner. While the primary focus is on containing the spread of COVID-19, the risks emerging from shortcomings in labour and social protection, and the impact of these risks on the most vulnerable groups in society, have increased and worsened considerably, and are becoming critical.

This brief provides a summary of the particular vulnerability of migrant workers during the COVID-19 health emergency, with a focus on migrant domestic workers, who in Lebanon are mainly employed inside people’s homes. It recommends practical actions in line with the principles of integrity, gender equality and respect for diversity, all of which contribute to peace, social justice and stability in societies.