The Lebanese Minister of Labor, Ali Kanssu, estimated the number of expatriate workers currently employed in Lebanon at 350,000, according to Assafir daily. This includes expatriates of both Arab and non-Arab origins.
Kanssu added that 150,000 African and Asian workers, mostly young women, are employed in the household service sector in Lebanon.
The minister assesses the number of the working Syrians in Lebanon at no more than 150,000, despite unofficial estimations of nearly one million Syrians employed in Lebanon.
These figures are especially notable considering the high rate of unemployment amongst Lebanese nationals. Kanssu estimates this rate to be approximately 15 to 20 percent, rising as high as 30 percent amongst young people. He expressed concern over these disturbingly high levels. ― (MENA Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
