Lebanon is moving forward with the implementation of its new pension scheme under Law No. 319, a landmark reform passed by Parliament in December 2023 that establishes a comprehensive pension system for private sector workers and reshapes the governance of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). Recent coordination meetings between Lebanon’s Minister of Labour Mohamad Haidar, ILO Regional Director for the Arab States Ruba Jaradat, and NSSF Director General Mohamad Karaki focused on the technical and operational support required to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.
Minister Haidar highlighted the urgency of adopting a modern pension scheme that guarantees adequate social security coverage for retirees and aligns with international standards. He underscored the importance of collaboration among government, employers, and workers through the National Supervisory Committee, a tripartite platform that oversees implementation, with ongoing technical support from the ILO.
The ILO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Lebanon’s authorities and social partners throughout the implementation phase. This support builds on the technical guidance provided during the legislative stage and focuses on strengthening public institutions, social dialogue, and national ownership of the reform. Key areas of technical assistance include actuarial and financial analysis, legal advisory support, digital transformation of the NSSF, institutional capacity building, public communication, and social dialogue facilitation.
NSSF Director General Karaki emphasized that the pension reform is central to the Fund’s broader recovery and modernization efforts. The NSSF is actively pursuing digital transformation to enhance service delivery, improve transparency, and increase administrative efficiency, ensuring that members receive adequate social protection benefits under the new scheme.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain an updated Information Note as a living document to track progress, inform stakeholders, and communicate ILO-supported initiatives. This document will be shared with government bodies, employers’ and workers’ organizations, Parliament, and other partners to ensure transparency, coordination, and shared understanding of Lebanon’s ongoing social security reform efforts.
