With the onset of the pandemic since February in Lebanon, domestic workers have experienced a steep deterioration in their livelihoods. Laid off or forced into unpaid labor since the start of the economic crisis, they now face previously unknown challenges with the coronavirus: starvation and homelessness. Since neither the Lebanese government nor their own are looking to assist them, they are under siege at the mercy of a harmful system.
Understandably, the crisis that the COVID-19 virus has caused globally has uncovered many other otherwise hidden issues. Lebanon’s Kafala system is one of these issues.
Surviving the COVID-19 crisis as a jobless Sierra Leonean domestic worker in Lebanon. They are stuck together after losing their jobs or fleeing abusive employers.
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s kafala sponsorship system has increased the risk that employees are subject to extensive violations, including sexual abuse and labor exploitation, Amnesty International has found.