A Lebanese worker would do not accept such a salary in similar work conditions without guarantees, insurance or regular holidays.
I am not condemning the Lebanese worker, as he has the right to work in human and fair conditions. Neither am I defending job opportunities for refugees at the expense of the Lebanese who are going through difficult economic times. But the solution is not hostility and fomentation. Syrian unemployment can do more harm to Lebanon than hiring them for specific jobs, as it may lead to a «revolution of the hungry», not to mention higher rates of violence.
Solutions lie with State institutions – although they often underperform. Instead of punishing working Syrians, employers who replace the Lebanese with foreign workers and hire people without work permits should be punished. Instead of prohibiting Syrians from opening a shop, a bakery or any other small business legally, the requirements of obtaining a permit, meeting the necessary conditions and paying the taxes owed to the Treasury should be imposed. The country should not tighten the noose for itself under the pretext of fear, resettlement and camps. These are matters that cannot be resolved with quick fixes, but require a global vision and a national plan that has yet to be drawn up, but that – alas – may never see the light.