The proportion of older adults in Lebanon is currently the highest in the region (7%). Recent projections suggest that the population over 65 years of age will constitute more than 10 percent of the population by the year 2025, similar to contemporary Europe. Yet Lebanon does not have a uniform old-age/retirement pension plan. Rather, such plans are largely dependent on the type of employment. Obviously, those who have never been employed, the majority being women, are not eligible for any type of pension plan or health care coverage.
This study provides an overview of all existing schemes in Lebanon, and studies the feasibility of a universal non-contributory social pension proposal for the elderly with several scenarios and budgetary implications, and provides the basis for a legislative proposal upon which lobbying with key policymakers will take place.