LEBANON - On a morning that carried more meaning than a typical recognition ceremony, Minister of Labor Mohammad Haidar visited a hotel in Beirut, carrying a clear and meaningful message.
There, he met Mohamed Hassan Jafar, a person with a disability who has transformed challenges into opportunities and leveraged his abilities to become a living example of genuine integration into the Lebanese labor market.
The recognition was more than a certificate of appreciation, it was an acknowledgment of determination, resilience, and the principle that employment is a right, safeguarded by law and supported by social responsibility.
Through this human story, the Ministry of Labor highlighted a broader issue: the right of persons with disabilities to equitable employment opportunities and the critical role of the state and society in translating legal frameworks into tangible outcomes.
In an exclusive statement to Enmaeya, Minister Haidar confirmed that the law mandating institutions to allocate 3% of positions to persons with disabilities is now actively enforced, with inspections underway to monitor compliance.
He emphasized that the Ministry is committed to implementing the law in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs, as part of a comprehensive strategy to integrate people with disabilities into the workforce.
Haidar affirmed that 2026 will serve as the year this law is fully implemented, fulfilling prior commitments and translating policy into practice.
The Minister noted that many persons with disabilities hold university and postgraduate degrees, and that the law applies not only to entry-level positions but also to key and functional roles within organizations.
He further highlighted that disabilities may be physical, visual, or hearing-related. While some individuals require specialized workplace accommodations, others need modest adjustments to move and work comfortably.
In this context, Minister Haidar highlighted vocational training programs specifically designed for persons with disabilities, executed by the Ministry of Labor in cooperation with the National Employment Agency and private sector partners.
These programs aim to prepare participants for employment opportunities aligned with their skills and capabilities. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Labor directly to learn more and register for available programs.
This initiative underscores that the right to employment for people with disabilities is non-negotiable and cannot be deferred.
The transformation of legal mandates into practical realities remains a shared responsibility among the state, institutions, and society, ultimately fostering a more equitable and inclusive labor market.
