Prostitutes Lebanon

In modern Lebanon, prostitution takes place semi-officially via ‘super night clubs’, and illegally on the streets, in bars, hotels, and brothels. Lebanon’s sex industry operates largely hidden in plain sight. Prostitution is technically legal, but no new licenses have been issued since the 70s. Officially, Lebanese law requires that brothels be licensed, a process that includes regular testing of workers for sexually transmitted diseases. However, enforcement is inconsistent.

Foreign Workers and Transition Patterns

Women, often from other countries, travel to Lebanon on artist visas. They frequently start off as dancers before turning to prostitution after hours; thousands pour in annually. Prostitution occurs in different forms and networks depending on the women’s nationalities. Asmar notes that prostitution remains illegal in practice, and if indicted, those involved face up to two years’ imprisonment.

Exploitation and Industry Dynamics

Punishment for the girls can be severe. A study highlights that some prostitutes face physical assaults by “angry clients” or their pimps and are forced to endure dangerous conditions. Forced into prostitution and imprisoned in a Beirut brothel, ‘Soha’ represents one of many vulnerable Syrian women caught in this trade due to war. Men are also increasingly involved in the sex industry.

The women operate in elite escort agencies, as independents, or in strip clubs, dancing clubs, and cabarets. Most work discreetly. While some seek it for fast money due to societal pressures, others are clearly trafficked and exploited. Brothels exist, often raided by authorities like the ISF who arrest workers. The situation reflects a complex mix of legality, semi-official tolerance, and illegal exploitation.

*TAGS* – artist visa exploitation, brothel raids Beirut, trafficked Syrian women