Lebanese Labor Minister Seeks Arab and International Support for Labor Market in Geneva

During the 114th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Lebanese Labor Minister Dr. Mohammed Haidar continued his series of bilateral meetings aimed at securing Arab and international support for Lebanon’s demands within the International Labour Organization. He presented a detailed report outlining the damages inflicted on Lebanon’s labor market and workforce due to Israeli attacks.

In this context, Haidar met with Turkish Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan, who affirmed Turkey’s support for Lebanon in confronting the Israeli assaults. The Turkish minister extended an official invitation to Haidar to participate in a regional conference focused on empowering Syrian refugees to return to their homeland.

The two ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, including finalizing a memorandum of understanding between their ministries to facilitate the exchange of expertise and collaboration in labor and social security fields. Haidar also encouraged Turkish investors to explore investment opportunities in Lebanon and invited his Turkish counterpart to visit Beirut.

Haidar also held talks with Egyptian Minister of Labor Hassan Radad, where Egypt’s support for Lebanon and the strengthening of cooperation in labor and social sectors were emphasized. Both sides agreed to ease conditions for Lebanese employers operating in Egypt through coordination with the General Authority for Investment. They also committed to advancing the implementation of an electronic linkage project between the two ministries and preparing a reciprocal social security agreement. Additionally, plans were made to launch joint vocational training programs and exchange expertise.

The ministers underscored the importance of ongoing coordination and regular meetings to further develop bilateral cooperation across various areas of mutual interest.

In another meeting, Haidar discussed with Qatari Minister of Labor Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri mechanisms to boost cooperation between Lebanon and Qatar, especially following the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Lebanese Ministry of Labor and the Qatari company “Jusur.”

The Qatari minister affirmed his country’s commitment to channel Lebanese skills and labor through official channels authorized between the Lebanese Ministry of Labor and “Jusur,” noting that he had issued directives to Qatari official bodies to adhere to this approach.

This assurance came after Lebanon raised objections to some private companies advertising jobs linked to Qatari entities without coordinating with the Lebanese Ministry of Labor. Doha deemed such practices unacceptable and stressed the necessity of relying on official frameworks for recruitment and labor sourcing.

These meetings form part of Minister Haidar’s efforts to strengthen Lebanon’s international support network and expand cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries, aiming to support the Lebanese labor market and open new opportunities for Lebanese workers and professionals.