Hundreds of Africans Stranded in Lebanon Amid Escalating Tensions Between Hezbollah and Israeli Forces

Hundreds of Africans, many of whom are domestic workers, find themselves trapped amidst escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israeli forces in Lebanon. The conflict, which has seen exchanges of fire across the Southern Lebanon-Northern Israel border, raises fears of a broader regional clash. This situation is particularly alarming for the over 250,000 foreign domestic workers in Lebanon, including significant numbers from Kenya and Ethiopia, with many expressing a desire to return home. Reports highlight the challenges faced by these workers, including prohibitive travel costs and the restrictive kafala labor sponsorship system, which can prevent them from leaving the country or changing jobs without their employer’s permission.

• Escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israeli forces have left hundreds of Africans trapped in Lebanon.
• A recent Israeli strike, which killed an official of the Palestinian Fatah movement, marks a significant escalation in the conflict.
• Over 250,000 foreign domestic workers in Lebanon, many from Kenya and Ethiopia, are particularly vulnerable amidst the conflict.
• 1,500 Kenyans have registered for evacuation, but high travel costs and the restrictive kafala labor sponsorship system pose significant obstacles.
• The average monthly salary of a migrant worker is about $150, while flights to Kenya can cost up to an estimated $1,000.
• Many migrant workers do not have access to their travel documents, further complicating evacuation efforts.
• Western nations are advising their citizens to leave the region due to worsening tensions.
• Both the Ethiopian and Kenyan governments are making plans to assist their citizens in Lebanon.
• The International Organization for Migration states that international humanitarian law requires people to be allowed to leave in the event of a conflict.
• Kafa, an NGO supporting migrant domestic workers in Lebanon, highlights the restrictive conditions and vulnerabilities faced by these workers due to the kafala system.
• Employers often evade responsibilities such as providing plane tickets for workers to return home, exacerbating the crisis for those wishing to leave.

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