Lebanon is in urgent need of skilled and unskilled workers, the Honorary Consul of Lebanon to the Philippines said yesterday.

He appealed anew for the lifting of the deployment ban to that country in order for Filipinos to take advantage of the work opportunities there.

In a statement, H.E Joseph Assad said the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) should consider the early lifting of the deployment ban because construction companies, hotels, restaurants and offices are in dire need of carpenters, plumbers, electricians, welders, fabricators, riggers, and household service workers.

“Filipino workers can now take advantage of the building boom in Lebanon and the country’s stable political situation. Around 10, 000 jobs are readily available for them if the ban is immediately lifted,’’ said Assad.

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito Roque earlier said he will only lift the ban upon the signing of the agreement between Lebanon and the Philippines slated next month.

DoLE has imposed a ban on deployment of Filipino workers to Lebanon in 2006 due to peace and order problems.

Earlier, President Arroyo ordered the lifting of the ban on the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs that the political situation in Lebanon has stabilized and progressing with the peaceful elections last June 7.

Prior to the President's instruction, Roque along with Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) head Jennifer Manalili and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration chief Carmelita Dimzon had looked into the concerns of Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) in Beirut and held a series of high-level talks with Immigration and Labor Ministry officials for the early lifting of the ban upon Lebanon's acceptance of the provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

But both panels agreed to resume the talks in Manila in July this year due to the alleged fervor of the Lebanese political campaign.

The consul expressed optimism that the upcoming visit of a Lebanese panel to the Philippines will “foster more understanding’’ between the two countries and remove the barrier that has prevented thousands of Filipinos from working in that country.

The new Ambassador of Lebanon to the Philippines, Mohammad Al-Harake will lead the panel and is expected to finalize details on the MOA of OFW protection earlier proposed by Philippine ambassador to Lebanon Gilbert Asuque as a condition for the resumption of deployment of OFWs there, said Assad.

Moreover, Assad clarified that the minimum pay for household helpers remained at $300 although the Philippine delegation had proposed through an MOA for a $400 minimum salary.