Prostitutes Lebanon

In modern Lebanon, prostitution operates semi-officially through ‘super night clubs’ and illegally on streets, in bars, hotels, and hidden brothels. Lebanon’s sex industry remains largely hidden in plain sight, tolerated yet officially restricted. Prostitution is technically legal under specific licensing, but no new brothel licenses have been issued since the 1970s, creating a legal gray area. Officially, Lebanese law mandates licensed brothels with regular health testing of workers, though enforcement is inconsistent.

Industry Structure and Vulnerabilities

A significant number of women enter Lebanon on artist visas, often starting as dancers before turning to prostitution after hours; thousands arrive annually under such schemes. Reports highlight the precarious situation, particularly for vulnerable groups like Syrian refugees displaced by war. Women like ‘Soha’, forced into Beirut brothels, represent a growing number made vulnerable by conflict and poverty. Studies indicate some prostitutes face physical assaults and endure dangerous working conditions.

Market Dynamics and Enforcement

Platforms like GENTSNAV openly advertise escorts in Beirut featuring pictures, prices, and reviews. The market includes diverse offerings like escorts and trans workers. Raids demonstrate law enforcement efforts, such as the ISF arresting four prostitutes in a Jounieh hotel in 2019. Male prostitution is reported rising, operating from high-end online services to street solicitation along Zahle’s highway.

Root Causes and Enduring Challenges

Factors driving women into sex work include economic desperation and limited opportunities. Recent reports have linked Hezbollah to large-scale prostitution networks. The enduring sex trade, estimated at thousands of workers, underscores Lebanon’s deep-rooted social and economic challenges.

*TAGS* – artist visas Lebanon, Zahle highway solicitation, Hezbollah prostitution networks