Lebanon’s kafala system subjects migrant workers to severe exploitation, akin to modern slavery. Many are abandoned during conflicts, leading to dire conditions. One migrant, Hayat, exemplifies resilience as she shares her story and faith despite adversities. Efforts to support workers and ministries like MERATH are crucial for providing assistance and hope.
In Lebanon, the kafala system significantly impacts migrant laborers by leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. This labor system, often likened to modern-day slavery, forces many workers, predominantly young women from underdeveloped nations, into precarious domestic jobs that do not resemble their expectations. Ghinwa Akiki from Thimar-LSESD notes that employers confiscate workers’ passports, granting them full control over the workers’ legal status and ability to seek new employment or leave the country.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has exacerbated the plight of migrant workers. Hunter Williamson from Thimar recounts harrowing tales of workers confined in homes as their employers fled from warfare. Many workers became stranded and abandoned, left with nothing but the clothes on their backs, highlighting the dire circumstances they face.
The MERATH team, affiliated with Thimar-LSESD, recently interacted with a migrant worker named Hayat. This Ethiopian woman endured severe mistreatment for three years before escaping her employer’s captivity. Akiki reveals that Hayat, although undocumented and jobless amid the conflict, continues to cultivate her faith and participate in a local church, trusting in God for her future.
Hayat’s journey is emblematic of the struggles faced by many migrant workers. She has authored a book of Christian devotionals aimed at uplifting others, self-funding her publication. The public is encouraged to pray for her and for other workers enduring similar conditions, as well as to support MERATH’s initiatives to provide practical assistance and share the gospel’s hope.
The kafala system in Lebanon continues to endanger the lives of migrant workers, notably women seeking better opportunities. The ongoing conflict has worsened their plight, leading to abandonment and dire living conditions. However, stories like Hayat’s exemplify resilience and faith amidst adversity. Support for efforts like MERATH can aid these workers in their quest for safety and dignity in their lives.
Original Source: www.mnnonline.org
