Ambassador Balatbat with Labor Minister Bayram

30 December 2021 -  H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat, Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon, paid a courtesy visit with H.E. Moustafa Bayram, Minister of Labor of the Lebanese Republic on 30 December 2021. Vice Consul and Head of Assistance-to-Nationals Section Miko D. Cabatingan and International Affairs Unit Chief Denise Dahrouj also joined the said meeting.

Ambassador Balatbat emphasized the importance of establishing close coordination with the Ministry of Labor (MOL) to pursue its mandate of protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers. He also expressed appreciation for MOL’s response to the Embassy’s case referrals.

Minister Bayram stated that he is keen on continuing MOL’s partnership with the Philippine Embassy and expressed his openness to requests and recommendations that can improve the situation of Filipino migrant workers in Lebanon and the relations of both countries.

(L-R) MOL International Affairs Unit Chief Denise Dahrouj, MOL H.E. Moustafa Bayram, Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat, and Vice Consul and Head of ATN Section Miko D. Cabatingan

The revival of the standard unified labor contract was also discussed during the call as Ambassador Balatbat emphasized the importance of its enforcement in protecting the labor and human rights of OFWs. For his part, Minister Bayram assured the Philippine delegation that concrete steps are currently being taken for the eventual implementation of the standard unified contract. END