“Not a Priority:” Vaccine Segregation, Misinformation and Mistreatment of Migrant Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic [here]

Annahar newspaper, in collaboration with Maharat Foundation and Internews, published a report covering experiences of migrant workers and the racism they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report included testimonies about the realities of migrant workers in Lebanon and the challenges they faced since the pandemic, however, it also cited ambiguous sources, which are plagued with misinformation and misleading numbers.

First, the report claims that only the Ministry of Public Health has access to accurate data about the vaccination of migrant workers, however, the ministry refuses to cooperate and share such data.

With that said, the report seems to disregard that statement and proceeds to cite so-called “ministerial sources,” according to which “the vaccination of migrant workers practically began in the summer of 2020.”

Additionally, the report “emphasizes” that Syrians and Lebanese alike received the first dose of the vaccine through “donors and humanitarian organizations…which did not include migrant workers from other nationalities.”

The nature of such claims and the contradictions they carry make them incredibly difficult to verify, especially considering that the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines reportedly arrived in February, 2021.

Furthermore, the statement’s phrasing and citation raise suspicions about its validity and purpose in the report: “migrant workers” seemingly used in a very generalized way, yet, it is emphasized that this refers only to Syrian and Lebanese nationals, excluding migrants from other nationals.

Similar “sources” noted that “only 60% of vaccines that were reserved for migrant workers were actually given to them, while the remaining 40% disappered (i.e evaporated),” according to the report.

The report concluded by hastily raising concerns about lack of accurate data, media blackout, and “unknown pandemics in migrant workers’ countries of origin,” which has no relevancy besides inciting discriminatory behavior against migrant workers.

Bangladeshi Worker Describes Challenges of Living and Working in Beirut [here]

Mariam, a 37 year old Bangladeshi domestic worker residing in Beirut, Lebanon, tells Raseef22 about the financial and security challenges that she has been facing since the economic crisis, COVID-19 and the Beirut Blast.

She expressed the fear that comes with leaving her house, explaining how she only goes outside for work, the rate of which has decreased to a point that doesn’t even cover transportation. She also stated how entertainment, even very inexpensive one, has become a luxury that she passed up.

Lebanese Parliament Passes 2022 Budget: 3rd Category Work Permit Fees for Migrant Workers Paid in US Dollars [here]

Minister of Labor stated in the 2022 budget discussion meeting minutes that the fees of the 3rd category work permits for migrant workers, which amount to $500, will be paid in US dollars.

It’s unclear which rate the payment would follow, whether it would be the new rate that the customs are following, or whether it would be in fresh US dollars.

As for the 4th category of work permits, which are given to migrant domestic workers, the minister stated that these are the only fees that have not been increased.