Minister of Labor Discusses Program Updates and Comprehensive Mechanization with World Bank

Minister of Labor Mohammad Haidar received a delegation from the World Bank visiting Lebanon, which included Regional Director for Human Development Programs Keiko Inoue and World Bank Social Protection Manager and Director Cristobal Ridocano. Discussions focused on cooperation between the Ministry and the World Bank to support the Ministry of Labor in several matters, particularly comprehensive mechanization and assistance in updating programs that help create job opportunities. Minister Haidar also requested the delegation's help in introducing new programs in this context next year.

Minister Haidar also received representatives from the Union of Bakery and Bread Shops Syndicates in Lebanon. The meeting addressed the general situation of the sector, with the delegation presenting problems faced by bakeries regarding the regularization of foreign workers' status and proposing ideas related to reducing fines and social security contributions. His Excellency promised to follow up on this matter with the Ministry of Interior and the National Social Security Fund. The delegation also reiterated its request for the Minister of Labor to issue a decision extending the deadline for regularizations, which expired at the end of last month, to facilitate the process of settling workers' files for employers.

On another note, the Minister of Labor approved Decision No. 16 of the Board of Directors of the National Social Security Fund, taken during Session No. 7 dated 24/9/2026, which approves opening an additional credit in the Fund's administrative budget for 2026 worth 40 billion and 900 million pounds.

The Minister of Labor also approved Decision No. 15 of the Board of Directors of the National Social Security Fund, taken during the same session, which approves raising doctors' consultation fees.