Lebanon’s plea to skeptical expats: Come visit, bring cash

Lebanon’s plea to skeptical expats: Come visit, bring cash

BEIRUT (AP) “” With Beirut's airport partially reopening from a three-month virus shutdown, the government is hoping thousands of Lebanese expatriates will return for the summer “” and bring dollars desperately needed to prop up the crashing economy.

But Lebanon's far-flung diaspora, renowned as entrepreneurs who for years sent their cash home, may no longer be willing to do that.

Many are staying away, appalled at the ruling elite's handling of Lebanon's unprecedented economic and financial meltdown and outraged at local banks holding their dollar deposits hostage. Some have stopped sending money, except small amounts to sustain their families. Others are considering cutting ties completely with a corrupt country they say has robbed them of a future.

"If you're a Lebanese considering visiting this summer, you will think about bringing only what you need to spend while there, not a single penny more,“ said Hassan Fadlallah, who has lived since 1997 in Dubai, where he founded a consultancy agency, Brand Lounge.

"I doubt anyone is thinking about investing in the economy, especially when you know the recipient is not worthy of this help,“ he said.

Once a beacon of free market growth and fine living, Lebanon is suffering the worst economic crisis in its modern