Soral Agencies: United for the Rights & Future of Recruitment in Lebanon
SORAL to Adopt Code of Conduct for Recruiting Migrant Domestic Workers
About "SORAL"
Lebanon currently has over 514 licensed agencies that recruit and employ domestic workers arriving from more than ten countries across Africa and Asia. The Syndicate of Owners of Recruitment Agencies in Lebanon—“SORAL”—was founded in 2005 and today counts roughly 414 registered members.
Within the Joint Programme for the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Domestic Workers (PROWD), funded by the European Union and the Swiss Development Fund, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) supported SORAL in 2012-2013 to draft a Code of Conduct for recruitment agencies in Lebanon. The initiative responds to the absence of an effective legal framework protecting domestic workers’ rights.
The Code of Conduct seeks to uphold seven principles:
Transparency
We apply transparency in every procedure and service, ensuring clear information, honest dealings, and full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.Justice and Non-Discrimination
We categorically reject any discrimination, exclusion, or preference based on race, color, religion, sex, political opinion, or national or social origin. Human dignity is indivisible, and justice starts with equality.Gender Equality
We promote gender equality in thought and practice, empowering women and eliminating gender-based bias or barriers.Respect for Pluralism
We value diversity and respect cultural, social, and religious pluralism as a cornerstone of healthy human interaction and societal enrichment.Integrity in Partnerships
We refuse to work with any party that exploits, defrauds, or blackmails domestic workers, and we condemn all violations of law or human dignity.Combating Trafficking and Forced Exploitation
We strictly prohibit the recruitment, transfer, harboring, or reception of any worker through threat, coercion, fraud, or any other forceful means; such acts are severe ethical and legal breaches we will not tolerate.Accountability and Social Responsibility
We foster internal accountability and transparency, providing clear and safe channels for complaints and reports of unethical or illegal practices. As a socially responsible syndicate, we strive for a sustainable positive impact on the individuals and communities we serve.
Conclusion
This Code is not mere guidance—it is a living expression of the values we embrace and pledge to embody in every action. Each clause is an ethical commitment and professional duty, guiding us to build relationships founded on trust, human respect, and the safeguarding of dignity. By adhering to these principles, SORAL affirms its place as a model of integrity, justice, and humanity in the labour market.
Decision No. 1/197
Establishment of the Syndicate of Owners of Domestic Worker Recruitment Agencies in Lebanon
The Minister of Labor,
Based on Decree No. 3621 dated 26/10/2004 (Formation of the Government), Based on Article 86 of the Lebanese Labor Law, Based on the application registered under No. 3475 dated 4/12/2004, Based on the proposal of the Director General,
Decides the following:
Article 1: Permission is granted to Mr. Hisham Al-Borji, Shawqi Al-Siqali, Afaf Jaloul, Daniel Eid, and Ali Al-Amin to establish the “Syndicate of Owners of Domestic Worker Recruitment Agencies in Lebanon” with its headquarters in Beirut.
Article 2: The founding committee mentioned in Article 1 of this decision must register the applications of members in accordance with the conditions stipulated in the Lebanese Labor Law and call for a general assembly to elect the first Board of Directors for the Syndicate within three months from the date of publication of this decision in the official gazette. If the election does not take place within the specified period, this license will be considered null and void.
Article 3: This decision shall be published and notified as necessary.
Minister of Labor: Assem Qanso
Certificate
The Ministry of Labor certifies that the Syndicate of Owners of Domestic Worker Recruitment Agencies in Lebanon, licensed under Decision No. 1/197 dated 6/12/2004, is the only licensed syndicate for workers in this field to date.
This certificate is issued upon request.
President Hicham El Borji
President Ali El Amin
Very Important!
Important! Beware of misleading ads for hiring domestic workers
Social-media posts are circulating that advertise the recruitment of domestic workers at very low costs. These ads are often deceptive and linked to unlicensed offices or individuals with no legal authority.
Dealing with such parties can lead to:
Financial fraud
Failure to receive the promised service
No legal support if a dispute arises
Under Ministerial Decision No. 1/41, licensed agencies are prohibited from advertising on social media; violators face legal action.
To avoid risks, follow these steps:
✔ Make sure the agency is licensed by the Ministry of Labour or listed on the official recruitment platform.
✔ Check the agency’s professional record and any recorded violations (“black points”) on the Ministry’s official website.
✔ Do not engage with any party that promotes its services through social media.
✔ Deal only with approved agencies listed on the syndicate’s official website.
Together, we can ensure legal and safe recruitment that protects everyone’s rights.
Decision No. 1/41
Decision No. 1/41, issued by the Lebanese Minister of Labor, establishes clear requirements and procedures for any individual or entity seeking to operate an office for recruiting foreign domestic workers in Lebanon. It outlines mandatory licensing steps, the necessary premises and documentation, as well as the obligations and qualifications of owners and partners. By referencing existing labor laws and regulations, this decision aims to ensure ethical recruitment practices, safeguard the rights of workers, and uphold appropriate standards for offices that bring foreign domestic workers into the country.
Latest News & Decisions
Circular No. 1/1 – Lebanese Ministry of Labor
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Official Establishment of the Syndicate
The Syndicate of Recruitment Agencies for Domestic Workers in Lebanon was officially established by Ministerial Decision No. 197/1 in 2004.
Urgent Request for Labor Agreements
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Current SORAL Team
Joseph Kamal Saliba
President
Mohammad Adadah
Vice President
Ali Skayneh
Secretary
Hikmat Cheaib
Treasurer
Ali Al-Amin
Chief Advisor
Bechara Chedid
Media Officer
Michel Aboukhater
Advisor
Inaya Chehaitly
Advisor
Ali Al-Hajj Diab
Advisor
Zeina Assaf
Advisor
Khaled Motraji
Advisor
Chafic Abi Raad
Advisor