It has been decided at the Grand Serail that an invitation will be extended to convene a committee next Tuesday to approve the raise of the minimum wage and salaries in the private sector from 9 million Lebanese pounds to 18 million, or up to 20 million Lebanese pounds maximum. It was also agreed to raise the value of school grants.

This direction comes after a tug-of-war with employers and economic bodies, which had refused to increase the minimum wage to 20 million and opposed the Social Security Fund decision to require employers to declare a minimum wage of 20 million. They justify their refusal by not wanting to increase their costs for Social Security Fund, especially after the Gaza war, which affected not only the South but all Lebanese regions, particularly Baalbek, negatively impacting the country's commercial and tourism movements.

As for the maximum wage subject to NSSF contributions for the private sector, if the committee agrees on a minimum value of 18 million Lebanese pounds, it will reach 90 million and 100 million Lebanese pounds. This will generate revenue for the Social Security Fund, increasing coverage for medical treatment, hospitalization, and medication to 80%.

Regarding special school grants, the indicator committee will decide, alongside raising the minimum wage and salaries, to double it to 12 million Lebanese pounds for those enrolled in private schools, and 4 million for those enrolled in public schools.

Caretaker Minister of Labor Mustafa Bayram met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, President of the General Confederation of Workers Bechara Asmar, Head of the Lebanese Economic Committees Mohammad Choucair.

After the meeting, Bayram stated, "It was agreed to continue the open discussion, and we had announced that there would be an increase for the private sector during Ramadan."

He spoke about "the consensus on the principles and main points to be announced and discussed in the index committee next Tuesday".

He mentioned that "the package of increases will be good, which is very important. The meetings are open, and bilateral dialogues are held between the General Confederation of Workers and the Economic Committees, with the Ministry of Labor being informed. When things mature, we will submit them to the indicator committee to preserve institutional performance, and we will immediately submit them to the State Council and the government for approval by decree. This will be a gift for Ramadan and the holidays to all sects, sending a message to the private sector and workers that we are by their side, taking into consideration both business owners and institutions."

The current minimum wage and salary in Lebanon is 9 million Lebanese pounds per month, effective since May 1, 2023.