Lebanese Domestic Workers' Union Calls for Abolishing Kafala System Amid War Impact

The Lebanese Domestic Workers' Union, a member of the National Federation of Workers and Employees Unions in Lebanon (FENASOL), extended its greetings to all domestic workers on the occasion of International Domestic Workers' Day. The union particularly acknowledged migrant domestic workers who continue their struggle for dignity, justice, and decent work while confronting discrimination and exploitation.

In a statement, the union noted that this commemoration takes place amid the destructive consequences of the war affecting various categories of workers in Lebanon. Migrant domestic workers have been among the most vulnerable groups, with many losing their jobs and sources of income, facing displacement, homelessness, and a lack of social protection. This situation persists under the kafala system, which restricts their freedom and prevents them from enjoying fundamental rights.

The union added that during the war, the legal unit of the National Federation provided direct assistance to migrant domestic workers by arranging individual shelter for the most at-risk cases and facilitating their transfer from dangerous and displaced areas to safer locations. They also offered legal consultations, followed up on complaints, and defended workers' rights before relevant authorities. Thanks to international trade union solidarity, the federation expanded its humanitarian support to workers of various nationalities, with aid from allied unions and networking with specialized medical organizations, notably Doctors Without Borders. Thousands of workers benefited from these initiatives, which included food rations, cleaning supplies, clothing, diverse humanitarian aid, as well as medical services, medications, and emergency health support.

The union emphasized that this experience underscores how trade union and humanitarian solidarity transcend borders and nationalities. Protecting workers, especially the most vulnerable, is a collective responsibility that requires enhanced cooperation among trade unions, civil society organizations, international bodies, and official institutions.

On this occasion, the union reiterated its demands for the complete abolition of the kafala system and its replacement with a legal framework based on human rights and decent work standards. It called for including domestic workers under the Lebanese labor law, ensuring the right to unionize and engage in collective bargaining in accordance with International Labour Organization Conventions Nos. 87 and 98, ratifying Convention No. 189 on decent work for domestic workers, and Convention No. 190 on eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work. The union also stressed the need to enhance social protection and guarantee access to justice for all domestic workers without discrimination.

The statement concluded by affirming that the struggle of domestic workers is an integral part of the broader labor movement's fight for social justice, equality, and human dignity. The union declared: "No to the kafala system... Yes to decent work, union freedom, and social justice. Glory to the struggle of domestic workers."