Economic hardship deepens for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon

Palestinians in Lebanon face significant restrictions, including being barred from professions like medicine, law, and engineering, limiting their economic opportunities. The situation has worsened considerably, with rising prices and electricity bills pushing many to the brink.

The plight of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon dates back to the 1948 Nakba, when over 750,000 Palestinians were displaced and hundreds of towns were destroyed during the establishment of Israel. Approximately 100,000 of those refugees sought refuge in Lebanon, initially hoping for a swift return home.

Discriminatory practices and legal limitations have long impacted Palestinians in Lebanon. A 1964 decree required non-Lebanese nationals to obtain work permits, and the country’s civil war further fueled negative perceptions. While some labor law amendments were introduced in 2010 and 2021, experts say these changes have had limited impact on the systemic exclusion of Palestinians.

As of February 2025, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) estimates that around 222,000 Palestinians reside in Lebanon, living in 12 recognized refugee camps. “Palestinians in Lebanon have been treated very differently in a very discriminatory way,” stated Elia Ayoub, a researcher and podcaster.

The Lebanese economy, still struggling to recover from a 2019 crisis, is grappling with high inflation, predicted to reach 17.5 percent in 2026. Limited state-provided electricity forces many to rely on expensive private generators. The situation is further compounded by recent funding cuts to UNRWA, following allegations in 2024, which the agency denies.

Desperate for a better life, some Palestinians are resorting to dangerous sea voyages to Europe. In 2022, at least 86 people, many from the camps, perished when a boat sank off the coast of Syria. The number of attempted crossings doubled between 2020 and 2021, and increased again the following year.

In late October, the European Union approved a mission to support Lebanese security forces, including maritime security. Osama Najjar notes a growing trend of Palestinians attempting to reach Türkiye and then Greece. Without economic relief, the risk of further desperate measures appears likely to continue. “All of this is still because the situation for Palestinians in Lebanon is poor,” he said.