Parliamentary Election Day on 8 May 2022 for registered voters in Melbourne
The parliamentary elections for registered voters in Victoria took place on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at the Antonine College in Coburg. Ballot boxes were opened at 7am amid a heavy turnout of voters and in the presence of delegates in all eight polling stations representing all parties along with a number of licensed international observers. The polling process continued until 10 p.m., with a 56% participation rate of voters.
Cameras inside the polling stations were broadcasting live to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants’ control room in Beirut throughout the day.
After closing the ballot boxes and packing them in diplomatic bags, and organizing the final reports, commemorative photos were taken with the delegates that were still present at the time. On Monday morning, the bags were picked up and sent to Lebanon by DHL.
The Consulate General of Lebanon in Melbourne expresses its gratitude and appreciation to the Antonine College who hosted this event, all voters, organizers, and delegates from all sides for cooperating with the Consulate General to ensure the success of this great national day.
Allocating polling stations for Lebanese eligible to vote in the parliamentary elections abroad for the year 2022.
On April 2, 2022, the Minister of Interior and Municipalities in Lebanon issued Decree No. 325, specifying polling stations for Lebanese who are eligible to vote in the upcoming Lebanese parliamentary elections to elect members of parliament in all countries including Australia, in which one polling center was assigned, at the Antonine College, 130 Harding Street, Coburg 3058, for those residing in Victoria and have registered to vote through the Consulate General of Lebanon in Melbourne.
The elections will be held on Sunday 8th of May 2022 from 7:00am until 10:00pm in accordance with Article 118 of the Elections Law.
Voters registered to vote in the state of Victoria were divided into the following 8 Polling Stations:
· Station No. 52/ Room No. 1/ which includes those registered in the following districts: Akkar
·Station No. 53/ Room No. 2/ which includes those registered in the following districts: Akkar
· Station No. 54/ Room No. 3/ which includes those registered in the following districts: El Koura – Bcharre
· Station No. 55/ Room No. 4/ which includes those registered in the following districts: El Koura - Zgharta
.Station No. 56/ Room No. 5/ which includes those registered in the following districts: Zahle - Zgharta – City of Tripoli
·Station No. 57/ Room No. 6/ which includes those registered in the following districts: El Chouf – Zahle - Aley
·Station No. 58/ Room No. 7/ which includes those registered in the following districts: El Batroun- El Matn- Baabda- Aley- Baalbek and El Hermel Cazas
·Station No. 59/ Room No. 8/ which includes those registered in the following districts: EL Danniye - El Minie- Nabatiye – Bent Jbail – Beirut (district 1) – Beirut (district 2)- Jbail - Jezzine - Sour - Saida villages- West Bekaa and Rachaya Cazas- Marjaayoun and Hasbaya cazas, Kesrouane and City of Saida.
In reference to our previous correspondence, we remind you that in order to vote, participants can only use one of the following:
- Lebanese identity card from the new issue (plastic card)
- Valid Lebanese passport
- Passports renewed strictly for voting (2003 issue or biometric)
Renewal of passports for Lebanese registered to vote in the 2022 parliamentary elections abroad
On 4 March 2022, the Lebanese Government issued Decree No. 8909, which contains the possibility of renewing expired passports of blue colour (Issue of 2003) or biometric, directly at Lebanese missions abroad only for those registered to vote for the parliamentary elections scheduled for May 8, 2022,
Therefore, those wishing to renew their passportsfor voting must apply at the Consulate General in Melbourne in person (by making a prior appointment), or sending the passport by post with a self-addressed express post envelope for returning, and presenting the following documents:
- Passport to be renewed
- Filling out and signing the application form for renewal of a passport which is strictly used for voting abroad.
- One passport photo
- A copy of the first page of the passport to be renewed showing the signature, or a copy of the Australian driving license.
- Renewal fee of A$15.00 in cash
The validity of this renewal is up to the date of the parliamentary elections abroad and is not applicable for traveling.
We remind you that in order to vote, participants can only use a Lebanese identity card from the new issue or a valid Lebanese passport.
Please note that, in accordance with our previous announcements, those who do not have a Lebanese passport can apply ASAP by fulfilling certain requirements.
Calling on non-resident Lebanese to register to vote in the 2022 parliamentary elections – 30/9/2021
The Consulate General of Lebanon in Melbourne announces the opening of the registration for non-residents Lebanese (born 30 March 2001 and before) to vote in the 2022 parliamentary elections from October 1, 2021 until November 20, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. Beirut time, by adopting one of the following methods:
1- Electronic registration by accessing the registration site which will start operatingon Friday 1/10/2021: https://diasporavote.mfa.gov.lb or by entering the Ministry's official website www.mfa.gov.lb and then clicking on the registration page.
If this method is chosen, then the following steps should be taken:
- Step 1: Create an account- enter personal information (name, surname, phone and email address),
- Step 2: Activate the account - The non-resident Lebanese will receive a text message on his/her email and must click on the link in this message to activate the registration account,
- Step 3: Choose the address - enter information about the country of residence, the mission, the state and the city where the residence is located.
- Step 4: Specifying the name on the electoral lists - the language must be selected to complete the filling out of the form:
• If you choose the Arabic language, then the required personal information must be filled out: Province, Casa, Town, and Registration number.... a search is then performed to locate the name on the electoral lists. The information on these lists can be modified in case of any error.If the name is not found on the electoral lists after the search; the entire profile can be added.
• If you choose the English language, then the entire profile can be added in that language.
Step 5: Download documents:
• Mandatory first document: Lebanese identity card or Lebanese census extract or Lebanese passport.
• A second mandatory document: residency card or a Lebanese passport with an immigration visa or work permit, Australian passport or Australian driver's license.
2- Register by attending the offices of the Consulate General in person or by letter signed in accordance with the rules and filling out the registration form.
If this method is chosen, then the attached form can be manually filled out by the expatriate at the Consulate General and the above documents attached. The information will to be entered later into the electronic registration program by the Consulate General.
Attending the offices of the Consulate General for registration is subject to the health conditions and a limitation imposed by the State of Victoria due to THE CORONA VIRUS and requires a prior appointment by contacting the Consulate.
The preliminary electoral lists for 2021-2022 are ready
Pursuant to the provisions of Articles 32, 33 and 34 of election law No. 44 dated 17/6/2017, the Directorate General of Personal Status in the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities in Lebanon announced that the preliminary electoral lists for 2021/2022 are ready and invites voters and non-residents to check them on the official website of the Directorate General of Personal Statusas of February 1, 2021.
www.dgcs.gov.lb
Voters whose names are not listed on the published electoral lists or who have been wrongly registered are required to apply for a correction directly to the registration committee for residents or to the Embassy or Consulate concerned for non-residents from February 1, 2021 until March 1, 2021, inclusive.
Video on the reality of the maritime border dispute between Lebanon and the Israeli enemy 29-12-2020
The Consulate General in Melbourne is publishing a video explaining the reality of the maritime border dispute with the Israeli enemy with the aim of circulating it to anyone who believes in justice and contributes to explaining Lebanon's right position, which everyone should know.
To view the video in Both Arabic and English, please click on the following link:
Video in Arabic: https://youtu.be/cuDuygqFEKQ
Video in English: https://youtu.be/EMp_qkHLGJ8
Michel Edde Award for best thesis on Public administration and Good Governance.10-11-2020
St. Joseph University in Beirut (USJ) has launched the second edition of the Michel Edde Award for Public Administration and Good Governance, which will be awarded for the second time in 2021 to Lebanese holders of doctorates, residents and expatriates.Those wishing to participate must submit their proposals to the University before March 26, 2021.
For terms and requirements please see the announcement below.
Michel Edde.pdf
Award.pdf
Following the explosion at Beirut Port on 4/8/2020, and with the aim of protecting the property and historical heritage monuments located especially in the areas of the port, specifically Sayfe, Medawar and Rmeil, and the prevention of their sale, Law No. 194 was passed on 13/10/2020.
Passing of Law 194 which protects areas affected by Beirut port explosion. 9-11-2020
Law No. 194 aims to prevent the sale of any of the properties located in the areas referred to and to freeze the powers of attorney to sell for two years in order to ensure that they are free of defects of consent in order to prevent some from exploiting this matter, especially in the light of the economic crisis and the need for cash.
Following is the text of Law 194:. Law 194.pdf
Extending general mobilization in Lebanon until 24/5/2020 - 7-5-2020
The Lebanese Cabinet at its meeting on 5/5/2020 decided to extend the state of general mobilization due to the Coronavirus from the 11/5/2020 until the 24/5/ 2020 inclusive.
Extending general mobilization in Lebanon until 10/5/2020 - 28-4-2020
The Lebanese Cabinet at its meeting on 24 April 2020 decided to extend the state of general mobilization due to the Coronavirus from the 24:00 hour of April 25, 2020 until the 24:00 hour on Sunday, May 10, 2020.
Extending general mobilization in Lebanon until 26/4/20200 -15-4-2020
The Lebanese Cabinet at its meeting on 9 April 2020 decided to extend the state of general mobilization due to the Coronavirus from the 24:00 hour of April 12, 2020 until the 24:00 hour on Sunday, April 26, 2020.
The possibility of repatriating expatriates and providing assistance to students due to the CORONAVIRUS 2-4-2020
At its meeting on 31 March 2020 the Lebanese Cabinet approved a mechanism under specific conditions for the repatriation of Lebanese expatriates wishing to return to Lebanon due to the difficult circumstances in the countries of alienation resulting from the Corona virus crisis. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants has set up a form on its website to be filled by the applicant in preparation for the appropriate decision regarding expatriates in each country based on the information received, in addition to the introduction of a form to consider providing assistance to Lebanese students abroad who are facing a financial crisis as a result of the Corona crisis. To fill out the forms, please click on the following link: (www.mfa.gov.lb) Applicants can also call the Consulate General’s hotline 0410277533 for any questions regarding this matter
Setting up an emergency hotline - 30-3-2020
The Consulate General of Lebanon in Melbourne announces that, due to the exceptional circumstances experienced by the world as a result of the spread of the Coronavirus and in order to facilitate communication with the Lebanese community in the state of Victoria, it has launched a hotline service on the number 0410277533 that is also available on whatsapp service. Therefore, anyone needing assistance should call this number or send a text message and we will contact him/her and endeavour to help within the available resources.
Note that the Consulate can always be contacted via e-mail address which you can find on our website
Extending the closure of Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut due toCORONAVIRUS - 27/3/2020
The Consulate General of Lebanon in Melbourne announces that, in accordance to Decree No. 6209 dated 26 March 2020 issued by the Lebanese Cabinet, which extended the declaration of the state of general mobilization to combat the spread of the Coronavirus, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Lebanon issued a circular note requesting all Airlines operating at Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut extend the suspension of all commercial and private flights to and from Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut until Sunday, April 12, 2020 inclusive, except for military aircraft, air ambulances, aircraft transiting the Lebanese air space, Lebanese cargo planes, aircraft transporting members of accredited diplomatic missions in Lebanon, international organizations, UNIFIL forces and persons working for companies associated with drilling operations in Block 4.
Donations to support the health sector in Lebanon to counter the Corona virus - 19-3-2020
The Consulate General of Lebanon in Melbourne announces that the Lebanese health sector is in need of urgent medical and financial assistance in order to combat coronavirus and the difficulties resulting from it. Therefore, those willing to help can provide any of the following medical equipments which are exempt from customs fees: 1- COVID-19 PCR Test Kits 2- Protective equipment: masks, gloves, gowns, goggles, eye shield 3- Equipment including ventilators
Financial and cash donations, account opened at the Central Bank of Lebanon (Banque du Liban):
Account Name: Ministry of Finance - Anti-Corona Donation AccountIBAN:
1-LB36 0999 0000 0001 0017 0036 1885 (Lebanese Pound) 2-LB88 0999 0000 0001 0027 0036 1885 (American Dollar)
Donations to Rafik Hariri University Hospital (hospital and staff) on the following account opened at the Central Bank of Lebanon (Banque du Liban):
IBAN – ليرة لبنانية LB40 0999 0000 0001 0017 1904 1200
Account Name: Current No. 719041190 / Donations for Employees working in The Corona Section (IBAN):
LB19 0999 0000 0001 0017 1904 1190 Lebanese Pound
The mechanism for receiving social assistance to be allocated to support families affected by procedures taken to combat the Virus is as follows:
Account Name: Ministry of Finance - Social Aid Donation Account (IBAN):
LB30 0999 0000 0001 0017 0036 1896Lebanese Pound LB82 0999 0000 0001 0027 0036 1896American Dollar
Closure of Rafik Hariri International Airport due to CORONA virus -17/3/2020
The Consulate General of Lebanon in Melbourneannounces that the Lebanese Cabinet, which was convened on 15 March 2020, has declared a state of general mobilization due to the new and accelerating health conditions as a result of the spread of the coronavirus, and has taken the following decisions:
Closing Rafik Hariri International Airport and all air, sea and land ports (land and sea ports only for travellers) and stopping all commercial and private flights to and from the airport from midnight on Wednesday, 18 March 2020 until midnight on Sunday, 29 March 2020, excluding military aircrafts, air ambulances, aircrafts transiting Lebanese airspace, cargo planes, aircrafts transporting members of UNIFIL forces, accredited diplomatic missions in Lebanon, international organizations and personnel working for companies associated with drilling in Block 4, where these categories are, as usual, subject to prior permissions through diplomatic channels.
Permitting Lebanese citizens and their family members who do not have a Lebanese identity or residence cards, and those with residence cards to return to Lebanon up until 18 March 2020 inclusive. This permission excludes passengers from the following countries where travel has already been bannedfrom and to: France, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Germany, Spain, The United Kingdom, Italy, Iran, China (Hong Kong, Macao, ChineseTaiwan) and South Korea.
Further instructions on Coronavirus - 16/3/2020
The Consulate General of Lebanon in Melbourneannounces that further to the preventive measures taken by the Lebanese government to counter the threat of the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), the Committee for the Follow-up of Preventive Measures for the coronavirus issued the following recommendations on March 11, 2020:
1- All trips (air, land and sea) to and from the following countries: Italy, South Korea, Iran and China (Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan) are suspended for one week from the date of the decision.
2- Entry prevention (by air, land or sea) for all persons from countries where the new Coronavirus is spreading, particularly France, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and other countries to be specified in turn, with the exception of Lebanese citizens, families of Lebanese who are yet to obtain Lebanese citizenship or residency in Lebanon, holders of valid residences in Lebanon, members of diplomatic missions accredited in Lebanon, international organizations and members of UNIFIL forces, and grant them 4 days to return to Lebanon, from 12:00 Thursday night of 12 March 2020 until 12:00 Monday night of March 16, 2020.
3- After the four-day deadline has expired, all flights from the countries mentioned in section"2" will be suspended for one week and Lebanese wishing to return must get in contact with Lebanese Embassies in the above-mentioned countries in order to take appropriate action in coordination with the General Directorate For civil aviation. Transit passengers are excluded from this procedure. Lebanese and foreigners returning to Lebanon from the above-mentioned countries who have not shown symptoms of the disease must commit to home isolation for 14 days and communicate with the Ministry of Public Health in the case of developing any symptoms.
Coronavirus prevention measures 10/3/2020
The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) have circulated preventive measures regarding the coronavirus in addition to launching an awareness campaign to maintain hygiene and prevention while travelling. The Ministry of Public Health has advised not to travel to infected countries except when necessary and to take all preventive health measures and avoid gatherings and contact with pets and people with symptoms similar to those of the virus. Following is a publication in Arabic and English on prevention methods while travelling: Corona.pdf
The possibility of renewing the Lebanese passport for three years: 5/3/2020
The Consulate General of Lebanon in Melbourne announces that a new three year option has been added to the other options for issuance and renewal of Lebanese passports, with a fee of A$208.50. So the possibility of issuing and renewing Lebanese passports and fees are now as follows:
- One year: A$62.50
- Three-years: A$208.50
- Five-years: A$312.50
- 10 years: A$521
However, the option of issuing and renewing the passport for three years and 10 years is only applicable to holders of biometric passports issued in Lebanon.
Announcement from the Embassy of Lebanon in Canberra and Lebanese Consulates in Sydney and Melbourne concerning the correction of the Electoral Lists 2020-2021 - 5/3/2020
Pursuant to Articles 32, 33 and 34 of Election Law No. 44 dated 17 June 2017, the Directorate General of Civil Status in the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities in Lebanon has published the preliminary electoral lists and invited resident and non-resident voters to view them on the official website of the Directorate General of Civil Status: https://www.dgcs.gov.lb/arabic/voters-list
Voters whose names are not on the published electoral lists or have been wrongly registered are required to apply for correction before March 10, 2020, including either to the registration committee directly for residents or to the Embassy or Consulate concerned for non-residents.
Note that the application forms for correction of electoral lists for non-residents are available on the following link: https://www.dgcs.gov.lb/arabic/forms-files
The Directorate General of Civil Status has issued a CD containing the preliminary electoral lists and anyone is entitled to obtain copies at a cost equal to 35,000 Lebanese pounds per copy.
Signing of the book: Lebanese in Australia: A Changing Mosaic 28/11/2019
On 24 November 2019, a book by Trevor and Andrew Batrouney entitled: LEBANESE IN AUSTRALIA: A CHANGING MOSAIC was signed at the Northcote Town Hall with the participation of some members of the Lebanese Community.
The book contains important information about the waves of Lebanese migration to Australia from the 1880s to today, and how they integrated and contributed to Australian society in all its fields, as well as some old photographs and documents of this migration.
The book can be viewed on the publisher's website:
https://www.connorcourtpublishing.com.au/Lebanese-in-Australia-A-Changing-Mosaic--Trevor-Batrouney-and-Andrew-Batrouney_p_324.html
Exemption from transfer fees and real estate settlement of properties on which Palestinian camps are located
and Subsequent Budgets of 2019 - Section 3 –that was issued on 31/7/2019, states: "Exceptionally, and contrary to any other provision, owners of properties on which the Palestinian camps are located are exempt from transfer fees of property and real estate settlement upon their transfer to immediate inheritors until the 31st of March 2020."
Accordingly, the Consulate General in Melbourne calls upon the owners of these properties in the Lebanese community to take advantage of this law before the deadline.
Melbourne, 8/8/2019