New Regulations for Syrian Refugee Access to non-employer-specific Work Permits in Jordan’s Construction Sector August 2017 - Factsheet
Through ILO support in implementing sector-specific interventions to formalise jobs and provide decent work environments, the Ministry of Labour and the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions (GFJTU) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ease the process of issuing work permits to Syrian refugees in the construction sector. The agreement allows work permits to be issued through the GFJTU, and stipulates that workers should be covered by a private insurance scheme. The permits are issued for renewable one-year periods. Permit applicants must purchase insurance policies for 50 Jordanian dinars (about $US 70).
Applicants for the new work permits must hold a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certificate, which is obtained through the Centre for Accreditation and Quality Assurance (CAQA). The RPL course that workers are required to complete includes sections related to occupational safety and health (OSH), in which workers receive practical instruction on workplace health and safety measures and requirements.
This development also benefits employers. The Recognition of Prior Learning Certificate helps employers match job requirements to workers with the right skills, and the mandatory insurance coverage improves protection of workers.