Without Protection

How the Lebanese Justice System Fails Migrant Domestic Workers

Executive Summary

Recommendations

Methodology

I. Background

A. Migration to Lebanon for Domestic Work

B. Legal Framework for Migrant Domestic Workers in Lebanon

II. Abuses against Domestic Workers

III. Obstacles to Justice

IV. Judicial Response to Violations

A. Unpaid Wages

B. Violence against Migrant Domestic Workers

C. Restrictions on Movement

D. Withholding Passports and Identity Papers

E. Cases of Non-Renewal of Residency

F. Complaints against Agencies

G. Deaths of Migrant Domestic Workers

V. Criminal Cases against Migrant Domestic Workers

A. Frequent Pre-trial Arrests

B. Abuse during Interrogation

C. Lack of Defense Lawyers

D. Access to Interpreters

E. Evidentiary Burden

VI. Lebanon’s International Obligations

Acknowledgements