Jordan examines ways to improve work permits for migrant workers in the construction sector
The ILO hosts a meeting of key stakeholders to improve regulation of work permits in Jordan’s construction sector
AMMAN (ILO News) – A two-day consultative meeting of stakeholders will begin in Amman on Tuesday (May 21) to discuss ways to improve existing work permit schemes for migrant workers in Jordan’s construction industry.
The consultative meeting will bring together tripartite experts to review the system of work permits and provide recommendations to better protect migrant construction workers’ rights, including promoting ethical recruitment practices and reducing the number of industrial accidents.
According to the Ministry of Labour’s 2011 annual report, Jordan has around 280,000 registered migrant workers, and many more unregistered. Nearly 68 per cent of migrant workers are Egyptian who are concentrated in construction – a sector that has become a major employer in Jordan in recent years.
The Ministry of Manpower and Employment (MoME) issues permits for workers reflecting their qualifications. But inadequate accreditation and testing systems makes it difficult to determine workers’ qualifications and professional and vocational backgrounds.
“This meeting is important because the current job classification system is not adequate and therefore needs reviewing,’’ said Mahmoud Hiyari, Head of the General Union of Construction Workers (GUCW).
Work permits are often given to workers who lack the qualifications or skills level for certain jobs. The lack of appropriate work experience and training places migrant workers at greater risk of industrial accidents and human rights violations and lowers production standards across the industry.
Workers and employers have also expressed concern over the rigidity of the current work permits scheme, which sets the validity of permits to exactly one year.
“It is important for the Government to take into account the needs of the market. Work permits should allow workers to work legally, in order to avoid negative impacts on both employers and workers,” said Omar Al-Faza’a from the Jordanian Constructions Contractor Association.
Companies are sometimes faced with the situation where they cannot legally release workers when construction projects are over and they have no revenues to cover their wages. This places migrants who work ‘under the table’ for other contractors illegally at risk of detention and deportation.
“It is beneficial for the Ministry of Labour to coordinate with other partners to improve labour conditions. However, the situation in Jordan is unique and there is pressure from many sides. With the number of migrants and refugees growing, the security of the country is a priority,” said Dr. Mohammed al-Qudah, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Labour.
The consultative meeting will bring together tripartite experts to review the system of work permits and provide recommendations to better protect migrant construction workers’ rights, including promoting ethical recruitment practices and reducing the number of industrial accidents.
According to the Ministry of Labour’s 2011 annual report, Jordan has around 280,000 registered migrant workers, and many more unregistered. Nearly 68 per cent of migrant workers are Egyptian who are concentrated in construction – a sector that has become a major employer in Jordan in recent years.
The Ministry of Manpower and Employment (MoME) issues permits for workers reflecting their qualifications. But inadequate accreditation and testing systems makes it difficult to determine workers’ qualifications and professional and vocational backgrounds.
“This meeting is important because the current job classification system is not adequate and therefore needs reviewing,’’ said Mahmoud Hiyari, Head of the General Union of Construction Workers (GUCW).
Work permits are often given to workers who lack the qualifications or skills level for certain jobs. The lack of appropriate work experience and training places migrant workers at greater risk of industrial accidents and human rights violations and lowers production standards across the industry.
Workers and employers have also expressed concern over the rigidity of the current work permits scheme, which sets the validity of permits to exactly one year.
“It is important for the Government to take into account the needs of the market. Work permits should allow workers to work legally, in order to avoid negative impacts on both employers and workers,” said Omar Al-Faza’a from the Jordanian Constructions Contractor Association.
Companies are sometimes faced with the situation where they cannot legally release workers when construction projects are over and they have no revenues to cover their wages. This places migrants who work ‘under the table’ for other contractors illegally at risk of detention and deportation.
“It is beneficial for the Ministry of Labour to coordinate with other partners to improve labour conditions. However, the situation in Jordan is unique and there is pressure from many sides. With the number of migrants and refugees growing, the security of the country is a priority,” said Dr. Mohammed al-Qudah, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Labour.