Lebanon sets 80% local worker requirement

Lebanon will require that the workforce of its prospective oil and gas industry be 80% Lebanese.

Energy Minister Cesar Abi Khalil said in a news conference in Beirut that the requirement is part of legislation to be submitted soon to the Cabinet, according to Lebanese press reports.

The country in October concluded its first offshore licensing round after nearly 4 years of delay caused by political conflicts and a vacancy in the presidency.

The round drew bids from two of five blocks on offer from a consortium of Total SA, Eni SPA, and Novatek (OGJ Online, Oct. 13, 2017).