Work Permits and Qualifications in the Construction Sector in Jordan

A two-day consultative meeting of key stakeholders to discuss ways of improving work permits and qualifications for migrant workers in Jordan’s construction industry.

The International Labour Organization is hosting a two-day consultative meeting of key stakeholders to discuss ways of improving work permits and qualifications for migrant workers in Jordan’s construction industry.

During the past decade, Jordan has experienced significant political and economic reform that contributed to an increasing integration of its economy. While the garment and textile sector remains the lead export sector, construction has boomed, fuelled by a prospering hospitality and tourism industry, as well as large-scale infrastructure development projects.

Yet very little is known and documented about the situation of migrant workers in the construction industry that has become a major employer in Jordan in recent years. Despite growing Foreign Direct Investment in the sector, little is known about the working conditions and labour rights of the unskilled migrant workforce. There is widespread use of subcontracting, as is the general practice in the construction sector. While trade unions exist in the sector there has been no focus to date on addressing the particular needs and vulnerabilities of migrants.

The project will seek to facilitate tripartite discussions through convening stakeholder consultations and policy dialogue on issues relating to work permits and qualifications in the construction industry and to provide recommendations on alternative solutions.

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