Explosions in Beirut: The tragedy leaves many migrant domestic workers destitute - 20 Minutes

Following the two explosions which devastated Beirut, they lost everything. Migrant women who were employed as domestic workers in the Lebanese capital now have no income or shelter and cannot afford to return to their country.

To make themselves heard, several dozen Kenyan migrant women demonstrated in front of their consulate on August 10 and 11. They ask the authorities of their country of origin to repatriate them. “They say if we have enough dollars to pay for our ticket then we can go home. They are asking for $ 1,000 to buy a ticket but we don't have this money, ”one of them laments.

Not protected by Lebanese labor law

The disaster that hit Beirut only worsens the already dramatic situation of these servants, mostly from Ethiopia. Abuse, sexual violence, poor or unpaid work. “These women are among the most marginalized people in our society,” said Heba Morayef, Amnesty International's regional director.

Housekeepers, nannies and other home helpers are not subject to Lebanese labor law. They cannot, for example, leave their work without the prior consent of their boss. This system, widespread in the Middle East, is called "kafala" and leaves these women at the mercy of their employers.

Abandoned by their boss

This is what happened with the arrival of the Covid-19 crisis. As the health crisis worsened Lebanon's economic woes, dozens of Ethiopian domestic workers were fired by their bosses and deposited at the Ethiopian consulate in Beirut in June.

“The bosses kicked us out of their house without clothes or passports and threw us here,” says Hayet, a 21-year-old migrant from Ethiopia. “Some of us sleep on the streets. People come and ask them if they want to work. They take them home and we don't know what they do with them. "

250,000 domestic migrants from Africa and Asia work in Lebanon according to Amnesty International.

World

Explosion in Beirut: The support conference commits to aid of 250 million euros

World

Lebanon: New clashes between the police and demonstrators in Beirut

  • Explosion
  • Beirut
  • Abuse
  • Migrants
  • 20 minutes video
  • Lebanon
  • World