Faced with the worst economic crisis in 150 years, the Lebanese seek to leave their country

Lebanese people wait outside a currency exchange office in Beirut, January 5, 2022. REUTERS - MOHAMED AZAKIR

Text by: Paul Khalifeh Follow

3 mins

Lebanon is hit by one of the worst crises in the world since 1850, according to the World Bank.

The collapse in the standard of living of the overwhelming majority of the population has been brutal.

Faced with this, the Lebanese are seeking to leave the country. 

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From our correspondent in Beirut

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In two and a half years, the Lebanese pound has lost 95% of its value against the dollar, the minimum monthly wage has gone from the equivalent of 450 dollars to 20 dollars, inflation is galloping.

The State no longer provides electricity, the “social safety nets” are non-existent.

Faced with this catastrophic situation, many Lebanese have lost hope and are looking to leave the country for better opportunities abroad.

A study by the Institute of Social Sciences of the Lebanese State University shows that nearly 70% of young people actually want to leave Lebanon permanently.

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In total, 85% of those questioned justify their wish to leave by the absence of any prospect, in a country which has suddenly fallen into poverty.

90% of those who want to leave explain their decision by the economic and financial crisis and two-thirds by the political blockages that prevent reforms and an evolution of the system.

Another report published by the Arab Barometer network indicates that approximately 48% of the population, all age groups combined, “are

”.

High demands for passports

This desire to leave expressed by a large part of the Lebanese could explain the strong demand for passports in recent months.

The demand for passports has increased tenfold over the past two years, causing a shortage of stock.

At the end of April, General Security announced that it had suspended appointments on its online platform for people wishing to obtain a passport.

She indicated that this suspension will remain in force until the Lebanese authorities have paid the necessary funds to the company responsible for producing the new passports.

The state is bankrupt and no longer honors most of its financial commitments, even the most basic.

“

Residence

by investment

”

To overcome all these difficulties, whether economic or administrative, but also the fact that Lebanese travel documents are no longer highly rated, some Lebanese are trying to obtain another nationality.

Some islands in the Caribbean grant nationality in return for sums of up to $150,000 and without the need to travel there.

Consulting firms offer this service, especially for Lebanese who work in the Gulf countries or those who need to travel frequently.

Other Lebanese have benefited from “

” programs offered by European countries such as Greece, Portugal and even Cyprus.

In return for the purchase of real estate, these countries grant visa facilities and possibly nationality.

But the overwhelming majority of Lebanese who have sunk into poverty cannot afford another life under warmer skies.

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