Jordan

Enabling refugee and host community households in Jordan to graduate out of poverty and be self-reliant.

1. Take steps to increase formal labour market opportunities in the country.
2. Support the government in breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty through dignity, opportunity and empowerment.
3. Contribute to social cohesion efforts within communities.

Although Jordan has traditionally been very hospitable towards refugees, the presence of over 760,000 refugees has impacted national resources and infrastructure, while high unemployment and slow economic growth add further challenges for the government. As of 31 December 2019, Jordan hosted some 747,000 people of concern to UNHCR. The Jordan Compact, enacted in 2016 has put Jordan at the centre of international interest; the space provided to refugees from Syria to work formally has enhanced their protection from exploitation and strengthened their resilience and self-reliance. A cumulative total of 176,900 work permits had been issued to Syrian refugees by the end of 2019, with around 5% to women. The extension of access to work permits to refugees in Zaatari and Azraq camps (21% of all work permits) resulted in increased mobility and opportunity for these families.