Like thousands of other migrant workers throughout Asia, Janice* made the decision to seek work overseas as a household maid only after employment opportunities sufficient to support her family at home in the Philippines proved elusive.

Several months after beginning work in Lebanon, however, Janice informed her employer that she wished to leave the job and return home to her family. Not willing allow her to leave, Janice’s employer began repeatedly subjecting her to serious physical abuse until she was finally referred to the ICMC-Caritas Lebanon Migrant Centre (CLCM) for medical and legal support, and assistance in returning home.

Setting an important precedent for protecting migrant workers against frequent abuse and exploitation, her employer has been found guilty of abuse and has been sentenced to 15 days in prison. She has also been ordered to pay more than $7,000USD compensation to the victim.

A recent report released by Human Rights Watch shows that at least one woman dies each week in Lebanon, while many more are injured while trying to escape abusive employers and harsh working conditions.

This landmark case represents a growing appreciation for the rights of migrant workers, yet multiple obstacles still prevent many victims of abuse from filing lawsuits against their employers, including high financial costs and the prolonged procedures required for investigation.

The ICMC-Caritas Lebanon Migrant Centre offers abused and trafficked women refuge, legal and medical assistance, counseling on future options, psychological assistance, food and clothing, life skills training and sustainability grants as start-up funds for some of those who are repatriated to their home countries.

Supported with funding from the US Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (G/TIP), the Centre also engages in extensive advocacy efforts in the Middle East region, Asia and Europe, which aim to improve the protection environment for migrant workers in Lebanon and inform worldwide efforts to prevent trafficking and assist victims of trafficking. These continued public education and outreach campaigns have recently born valuable fruit as, for the first time, Lebanese citizens have begun offering to testify in court on behalf of abused migrant workers.

Landmark case sets precedent for protecting migrant rights (366.82 KB)