Watch a video taken of the recent attacks from one of our partners in Lebanon here.
“This country is shifting to an extent we cannot imagine; the future looks very dangerous.”
These chilling words come from a Sri Lankan Christian leader serving among migrant workers in Lebanon. Speaking to Philoi, he shed light on the heartbreaking plight of thousands who sought refuge in Lebanon, escaping economic collapse and even armed conflict in their own countries. Now, these vulnerable workers find themselves abandoned, forced to survive on the streets of Beirut.
Many of these migrant workers who were struggling in their home countries hoped for a better future when they came to Lebanon. Instead, they now face abandonment by employers, rejection from shelters, and exclusion from state or charity services.
Philoi’s contacts confirm the dire situation: “Most of the migrant workers never through the situation would become so intense and dangerous. Some wish to return home, but they are trapped here.”
The flight cost is unimaginable for those earning meagre wages under exploitative conditions. Their hopes of repatriation are shattered, as many foreign embassies have failed to arrange flights or evacuation plans for their citizens, unlike Western nations, which have taken steps to protect their citizens.
Melissa* is a young Kenyan woman. Her employers fled their home during the attacks, leaving her behind and confiscating her passport. She is now stranded, like many others. This is a devastating consequence of the Kafala system, which binds migrant workers to their employers, giving them control over the workers’ legal status and, too often, their freedom. Criticised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and human rights bodies, Kafala still leaves countless workers, especially women, vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
Philoi is working with migrant church partners in Lebanon to provide immediate relief and possible repatriation support. But we cannot do this along. Will you join us in prayer and action for Lebanon?
Almost 1.2 million people are feared to be displaced across the country, and the needs are urgent. We ask you to take a moment to pray for the displaced people in Lebanon, especially for the migrant workers. Many are Christians who have no one to turn to. Support Philoi’s relief and repatriation efforts for these forgotten workers.
Watch a video taken of the recent attacks from one of our partners in Lebanon here.
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT THE DISPLACED:
$75 can provide a refugee family with emergency food rations, covering their basic needs.
$50 can fund a month’s worth of school fees or supply a school pack for a refugee child.
$150 can assist a refugee family with rent or cover medical expenses.
$9,000 can support a refugee family’s resettlement application or cover flights to a safer location in their home country.
Reach out to us for more information or any questions you may have. To give, click here.