Impact of Syrian Refugee Crisis on Lebanese Economy: The Case of Banking Sector

Thesis Abstract

"It’s almost the Sixth year of the Syrian crisis and there is no foreseen solution for it. The Syrian crisis has created what is known as the Syrian refugee crisis as a result of the rapid increase in the number of refugees entering Lebanon since 2012. This thesis was conducted to study the impact of Syrian refugee crisis on the Lebanese Economy, specifically on the banking sector. The main purpose of this study was to shed the light on how refugee crisis is affecting the banking sector in Lebanon, whether the effect is negative, positive or no impact. . The problem here lies in the lack of clear a study which identify whether the Syrian refugee crisis has negative, positive or no impact on the banking sector in Lebanon. There was a need to have an in depth study which identify this impact. In addition, it is very essential to understand how the increase number of refugees have impacted the banking sector, because it is one of the most dynamic sectors in the Lebanese economy.

In this research we used the inductive approach, qualitative data and Mono-method, a single qualitative technique, in depth interviews. Participants in this thesis characterized of specialists in the banking sector, NGO employees as well as refugees themselves the geographic focus of this study was Bekaa Valley, since the largest number of refugees are based in this area. Results showed there is no significant impact on the banking sector in general, unless indirect negative impact or positive one. Also, there are both, positive and negative impact on Lebanese economy depending on each sector. Recommendations, focuses on reconsidering foreign policies provided by foreign countries. Being more flexible with NGOs. In conclusion, Banking sector should collaboration with other sector to identify their own generalization statements and make sure not to lose opportunities."

Refugees attempting to withdraw money from different ATMs,

West Bekaa, Lebanon 2017 - by Mona Ayoub

If you are interested to read the full research study, you are requested to press on the link below to gain access.
IOSRC -COBS- MONA AYOUB

This MBA thesis was conducted by Mona Ayoub between November 2016 and February 2017. All rights reserved ©

Where Can You Travel with Your Brazilian Passport?

Have you ever thought of traveling around the world with a Brazilian Passport?

All rights reserved. Mona Ayoub

Today, I will help you discover which countries around the world do not require a VISA (Visa-free) or require a VISA on arrival.


AFRICA

1. Botswana (Visa-free for 90 days)
2. Burkina Faso (Visa on Arrival for 1 month)
3. Burundi (Visa on Arrival for 3 months)
4. Comoros (Visa on Arrival)
5. Cote d'lvoire (E-Visa)
6. Ethiopia (Visa on Arrival)
7. Gabon (E-Visa)
8. Kenya (E-Visa)
9. Madagascar (Visa on Arrival for 30 days)
10. Malawi (Visa on Arrival)
11. Mauritania (Visa on Arrival)
12. Mauritius (Visa-free for 90 days)
13. Namibia (Visa-free for 3 months)
14. Rwanda (E-Visa)
15. Senegal (Visa-free for 90 days)
16. Somalia (Visa on Arrival for 30 days)
17. South Africa (Visa-free for 90 days)
18. Sawziland  (Visa-free for 30 days)
19. Tanzania (Visa on Arrival)
20. Togo (Visa on Arrival for 7 days)
21. Uganda (Visa on Arrival)
22. Zambia (Visa on Arrival for 90 days)
23. Zimbabwe (Visa on Arrival for 3 months)

ASIA

1. Armenia (Visa-free for 90 days)
2. Cambodia (Visa on Arrival for 30 days)
3. India (Visa on Arrival for 30 days)
4. Indonesia (Visa on Arrival for 30 days)
5. Malaysia (Visa-free for 3 months)
6. Maldives (Visa on Arrival for 30 days)
7. Mongolia (Visa-free for 90 days within 180 days)
8. Nepal (Visa on Arrival for 90 days)
9. Philippines (Visa-free for 59 days)
10. Russia (Visa-free for 90 days for tourism purposes)
11. Singapore (Visa-free for 30 days)
12. South Korea (Visa-free for 90 days)
13. Tajikistan (Visa on Arrival for 45 days)
14. Thailand (Visa-free for 3 months)
15. Timor-Leste (Visa on Arrival for 30 days)

AUSTRALIA

1. Australia (Online visitors E600-Visa, May apply online)
2. Fiji (Visa-free for 4 months)
3. Marshall Islands (Visa on Arrival for 90 days)
4. Micronesia (Visa-free for 30 days)
5. New Zealand (Visa-free for 90 days)
6. Palau (Visa on Arrival for 30 days)
7. Papua New Guinea (Visa on Arrival for 60 days)
8. Samoa (Entry Permit Arrival for 60 days)
9. Solomon Islands (Visitors permit on Arrival for 3 months)
10. Tonga (Visa on Arrival for 31 days)
11. Tuvalu (Visa on Arrival for 1 month)
12. Vanuatu (Visa-free for 30 days)

EUROPEAN UNION

1. Austria (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
2. Belgium (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
3. Bulgaria (Visa-free for 90 days within 180 days)
4. Croatia (Visa-free for 90 days within 180 days)
5. Cyprus (Visa-free for 90 days within 180 days)
6. Czech Republic (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
7. Denmark (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
8. Estonia (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
9. Finland (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
10. France (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
11. Germany (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
12. Greece (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
13. Hungary (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
14. Ireland (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
15. Iceland (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
16. Italy (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
17.  Latvia (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
18. Lithuania (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
19. Liechtenstein (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
20. Luxembourg (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
21. Malta (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
22. Netherlands (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
23. Norway (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
24. Poland (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
25. Portugal (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
26. Romania (Visa-free for 90 days within 180 days)
27. Slovakia (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
28. Slovenia (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
29. Spain (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
30. Sweden (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
31. Switzerland (Visa-free for 3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry to the Schengen area)
32. United Kingdom (Visa-free for 6 months)

EUROPEAN COUNTRIES (Outside EU)

1. Albania (Visa-free for 90 days)
2. Andorra (Visa-free for 90 days)
3. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Visa-free for 90 days)
4. Georgia (Visa-free for 360 days)
5. Macedonia (Visa-free for 90 days)
6. Monaco (Visa-free for 90 days)
7. Montenegro (Visa-free for 90 days)
8. San Marino (Visa-free for 90 days)
9. Serbia (Visa-free for 90 days)
10. Ukraine (Visa-free for 90 days)

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

1. Bahrain  (Visa on Arrival for 14 days, can be obtained online)
2. Egypt (Visa on Arrival for 30 days)
3. Iran (Visa on Arrival for 30 days)
4. Jordan (Visa on Arrival conditions apply)
5. Lebanon (Visa on Arrival for 90 days)
6. Oman (Visa on Arrival)
7. Tunisia (Visa-free for 3 months)
8. Morocco (Visa-free for 3 months)

LATIN AMERICA

1. Argentina (90 days, ID Card Valid)
2. Bolivia (90 days, ID Card Valid)
3. Chili (90 days ID Card Valid)
4. Colombia (90 days ID Card Valid)
5. Ecuador (90 days ID Card Valid)
6. Guyana (Visa-free for 3 months)
7. Paraguay (90 days, ID Card Valid)
8. Peru (90 days, ID Card Valid)
9. Suriname (Visa-free for 90 days)
10. Uruguay (3 months, ID Card Valid)
11. Venezuela (90 days, ID Card Valid)

NORTH AMERCIA

1. Antigua and Barbuda (Visa-free for 1 month)
2. Bahamas (Visa-free for 3 months)
3. Barbados (Visa-free for 6 months)
4. Belize (Visa-free for 1 month)
5. Costa Rica (Visa-free for 90 days)
6. Dominica (Visa-free for 21 days)
7. Dominican Republic (Visa-free for 90 days)
8. El Salvador (Visa-free for 3 months)
9. Grenada (Visa-free for 3 months)
10. Guatemala (Visa-free for 90 days)
11. Haiti (Visa-free for 3 months)
12. Honduras (Visa-free for 3 months)
13. Jamaica (Visa-free 90 days for business, 6 month for tourism)
14. Mexico (Visa-free for 180 days)
15. Nicaragua (Visa-free for 90 days)
16. Panama (Visa-free for 180 days)
17. Trinidad and Tobago (Visa-free for 90 days)

I hope these information were useful.
Thank you!

Mona :)

10 Places You Should Visit in DJERBA

If you are planning to visit Djerba Island-Tunisia this summer, I am going to share with you Ten AMAZING places you should visit.

Photo by: Mona Ayoub

1. DJERBAHOOD

Photo by: Mona Ayoub

Photo by: Mona Ayoub

If you are a fan of Graffiti arts, you would absolutely fall in love with Djerbahood. It is a Jewish town where all its walls are painted with astonishing graffiti art. In 2014 International media from all over the world were invited to cover an extraordinary event were local artists decided to paint all the wracked walls and empty houses to rebirth this small town.

2. RESTAURANT & CAFE CHIRAA

Photo by: Mona Ayoub

Photo by: Mona Ayoub

It is one of the best affordable restaurants in Djerba. They serve the most tasty Tea with Almonds as well as incredible deserts.

3. IL PAPAGALLO

photo by: Mona Ayoub

Photo by: Mona Ayoub

It is an Italian traditional restaurant in the middle of Houmet el Souk. The owners are originally Italians. I can't forget how tasty was my Lasagna! One of my favorite!

4. CROCODILE ISLAND

Photo by: Mona Ayoub

Photo by: Mona Ayoub

Have you ever seen a REAL crocodile? Well, Djerba Crocodile Island is your best destination.

5. GUALLELA MUSEUM

Photo by : Mona Ayoub

Photo by: Mona Ayoub

 For those who love history, Guellela Museum introduces you to the old Djerbian traditions and customs. A must visit!

6. HOUMET EL SOUK MARKET

While you are in Djerba, you can't resist passing through Houmet El Souk Market. You can bring the most beautiful souvenirs for your beloved people.

7. LE PECHEUR - DAR DJERBA

Photo by: Mona Ayoub

Photo by: Mona Ayoub

If you are looking for a luxurious experience during your vacation, Le Pecheur gives you the opportunity to enjoy your meals with an amazing sea view. 

8. PLAGE TANIT

Photo by: Mona Ayoub

Photo by: Mona Ayoub

I personally call this place "HEAVEN ON EARTH" Ideal shore to dive in!

9.  CAMEL & QUAD CRUISING

All rights reserved @Mona Ayoub

All rights reserved @Mona Ayoub 

Two of the most famous activities in Djerba Island are Quad and Camel riding.

10. APPART HOTEL DAR SAID

Photo by:Mona Ayoub

Photo by: Mona Ayoub

Finally, if you are planning to stay for few weeks in Djerba and looking for a cozy, comfortable, and affordable place to stay in, I definitely recommend App - Hotel Said.

30 HILARIOUS Facts about our treasure, Lebanon

Let's scroll through 30 astonishing facts about Lebanon

photo by: Mona Ayoub

1. Lebanon has 18 religious communities.
2. 40% of the Lebanese people are Christians (this is the highest percentage of all the Arab countries).
3. There's 1 doctor per 10 person in Lebanon. (In Europe and America, there's around 1 doctor per 100 person)
4. The name LEBANON appears 75 times in the Old Testament. 
5. Beirut was destroyed and rebuilt 7 times (this is why it's compared to The Phoenix).
6. There are 4.5 Million Lebanese in Lebanon and around 18 Million Lebanese outside Lebanon.
7. Sky Bar voted number 1 night club in the world.
8. Beirut is the 10th most popular shopping destination in the world.
9. Beirut was named "World Book Capital" in 2009.
10. Byblos (city in Lebanon) is the oldest continuously living city in the world. 
11. The country's name is known to be the oldest in the world and has remained unchanged for over 4000 years.
12. Lebanon is the only Arab and Asian country that has absolutely no desert.
13. There are 15 rivers in Lebanon (all of them coming from its own mountains).

    

    Photo by: Mona Ayoub; Chbaniyeh - Mont Liban

14.  Lebanon is one of the most populated countries in its archaeological sites in the world.
15. The first alphabet was created in Byblos (city in Lebanon).
16. The only remaining temple of Jupiter (the main Roman god) is in Baalbeck, Lebanon (The City of the Sun).
17. The name of BYBLOS comes from the BIBLE.
18. Lebanon is the country that has the most books written about it.
19. According to Christianity, Jesus Christ made his 1st miracle in Lebanon, in Sidon (The miracle of turning water into wine).
20. The Phoenicians (Original People of Lebanon) built the 1st boat, and they were the first to sail ever.

    

    photo by: Mona Ayoub; Jiyeh       

21. Phoenicians also reached America long before Christopher Columbus did.
22. The 1st law school in the world was built in Lebanon, in Downtown Beirut.
23. Lebanese are trilingual (They speak 3 languages: Arabic, French & English).
24. The creators of Tom & Jerry are originally Lebanese. (Joseph Barbara & William Hanna)
25. Lebanon is the first Arab country that had a constitution
26. Lebanon, which represents 1/40 of the total area of the Arabic Peninsula, produces 70% of the publications in the Arab world.
    
    

    

    Photo by: Mona Ayoub; Faraya - Mont Liban

27.  In springtime, and on the same day, you can ski in the mountains and/or swim in the sea.
28. The creator and the production manager of the iPod is originally Lebanese. (Tony Fadel)
29. The richest man in the world comes from a Lebanese descent. (Carlos Slim)
30. King Solomon's temple was built with Lebanon's cedars.

Photo by: Mona Ayoub; Beirut from the Sky

Friday, September 11, 2015 | 12:10 PM

Posted by: Mona Ayoub

For more photos follow me on instagram: @monaaayoub