“They are beginning to charge [the refugees] $200 twice a year for allowing them to have the privilege to legally stay in Lebanon,” says Steve Van Valkenberg of Christian Aid Mission.
Anyone who does not pay this fine is subject to arrest, detention, or forced eviction.
“The refugees have no money anyway, so basically they’re caught in the middle.”
Adult and child refugees are forced to work for low-paying jobs in order to scrounge up any money they can for the permits.
In return, they can only afford living conditions that are less than adequate...