The Workers Rights 
The foreign labor system in Lebanon is managed by coordination between two departments: the Ministry of Labor and the General Security Directorate. Employers hiring foreign workers have to deal with immigration and residency requirements, work-permit requirements that vary based on a worker’s category and nationality, and often require different documentation.
Understand MOL and GSO
The Ministry of Labor is responsible for the issuance of work permits, whereas General Security deals with procedures related to entry visas and residency. In accordance with the guidance provided by GSO, foreign workers need to have a valid work permit for their work-based residency, except in certain categories.
In some occupations, the process starts with obtaining the necessary permission from the ministry of labour. Once the appropriate entry and employment documentation is filled out, the worker is free to take care of residency documents with General Security. Employers are therefore responsible for making sure work amongst the interchange proforma and immigration proforma remains valid simultaneously.
Sponsor Responsibilities and Compliance
There are several administrative duties for the employer that is a sponsor. Official procedures may demand employment contracts, insurance for employees, medical exams, guaranties and identity documents.
Another published document referenced by General Security in its requirements also includes residence applications that may need to include a valid work permit, certified employment contract and documents of the worker and the sponsor. These requirements and fees may vary from worker category and do not apply to all workers.
For companies, the records for foreign workers should also be harmonized with the records maintained by the National Social Security Fund. In May 2026, Lebanon increased its maximum income eligible for family and education benefits of the NSSF to LBP 28 million.
Regularisation and Residence Monitoring
The Lebanese government has continued its steps in the direction of rectifying non-resident foreign workers under the Labour and residence laws. According to General Security, there are regulations applicable in the annual work permits and annual work residency permits, for which certain workers in companies and institutions have to obtain an annual work permit and an annual work residency permit.
Employers should therefore keep track of the expiry dates of these permits as well as the work authorisation and residence document to ensure they are not used interchangeably.
Egypt-Lebanon Digital Labour Connectivity
The Republic of Lebanon and Egypt are also implementing the connection of electronic procedures for labour activities. In July 2026, the two governments announced that they are in the final stages of discussions on an agreement between their labour ministries to link electronic data in conjunction with a meeting for their signatures in Beirut.
Egypt’s Labour Ministry in September announced that the two parties are trying to speed up the process of electronic connectivity, in order to control labour mobility, share data and increase institutional cooperation.
Corporate Compliance Checklist
Employers are advised to ascertain that every foreign employee in their employ holds the necessary work visa from MOL and/or residence permit from GSO, keep payroll and NSSF records and keep employment documents executed properly. If applicable to the activity, electronic labour connectivity should also be reviewed when considering recruitment arrangements as per bilateral arrangements.
FAQs
Who issues work permits for foreign workers in Lebanon?
The work permit is the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour and the entry and residence of those holding work permits is General Security.
Does a work permit automatically provide residence?
No. if applicable one must obtain work authorization and another residence.
Are Egypt and Lebanon introducing electronic labour connectivity?
Yes. The two countries are implementing joint measures for the electronic connectivity to ensure the free flow of labour and information exchange.
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