Impact of socio-economic developments on labour markets in Syria and neighbouring countries

In light of recent political and economic developments in Syria and their regional impact, the ILO will convene a regional tripartite forum in Damascus on October 16, 2025, to address the evolving labour market dynamics linked to Syria’s recovery and their implications for neighbouring host countries.

The regional tripartite consultation forum will serve as a strategic platform to identify common challenges, exchange national experiences, and develop concrete, actionable recommendations to support labour market stability, decent work, and inclusive recovery in Syria and neighbouring countries. Specifically, it will aim to:

• Facilitate tripartite dialogue on the labour market implications of recent political and economic developments in Syria, including the lifting of certain sanctions
• Identify policy measures to support labour market stability at both national and regional levels; promote durable solutions for Syrian refugees and returnees; ensure fair workforce transitions, including reintegration of returnees into the Syrian labour market; and uphold International Labour Standards and fair recruitment practices.

This forum will bring together:

• Tripartite representatives from Syria, Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt
• ILO leadership and technical experts
• Regional experts and observers
• UN agencies will join the discussions and will be briefed on the outcomes of the forum.

This event marks the first of a series of dialogues that are to be held in the region in the upcoming period.

To access Background documents on Syria and neighbouring host countries, enabling substantive Forum discussions, check below:

09:00 – 09:30 | Opening Session

• Deputy Minister of Social Affairs and Labour in Syria, Dr Raghda Zaidan
• ILO Regional Director for Arab States, Dr. Ruba Jaradat
• UN Resident Coordinator for Syria (OIC), Marianne Ward

09:30-10:00 | Setting the Scene

• Overview of the socio-economic outlook, situation of Syrian refugees in labour markets in neighbouring countries and the latest updates on their return to Syria – Presented by Maha Kattaa, Regional Chief Technical Advisor for PROSPECTS and Durable Solutions
  

10:00 – 10:30 | Coffee Break

10:30 - 11:30 | Session 1 : Syria’s Recovery and Labour Market Governance –

A Panel Discussion

• Dr Raghdad Zaidan Ministry of Social Affair and Labour
• Anas Salim, Planning and Statistics Commission
• Ayman Al Moulawi, Damascus Chamber of Industry
• Fawaz Al Ahmad, General Federation of Trade Unions

Moderated by Mohamad Anas Sabee, ILO Country Coordinator for Syria

11:30 – 12:30 | Session 2 : Parallel constituent meetings

Three simultaneous sessions will be held separately for government representatives, workers’ organizations, and employers’ organizations.

12:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break

13:00 – 14:00 | Session 3 : Reflections on the Forum Statement: Framework for Regional Dialogue

• Country delegations their feedback based on preparatory meetings

Plenary Discussion and Reflections

• Open floor for Q&A

Moderated by Amal Mowafy, ILO Country Coordinator for Jordan

14:00 – 15:00 | Lunch Break

15:00 16:15 | Session 4 : Priorities, Recommendations and the Way Forward

• Presentation of the final draft of the declaration and action points
• Plenary Discussion, including Questions and Answers

Presented by Maha Kattaa, Regional Chief Technical Advisor for PROSPECTS and Durable Solutions

19:00 | Reception

The political transition in Syria, following the change in government in December 2024, has marked the beginning of a new phase of economic and social recovery with implications for labour markets across the region. As the country rebuilds and more than one million Syrians have already returned, the focus is increasingly on fostering an inclusive and rights-based labour market recovery that promotes social protection, and decent jobs for all.

The Forum provides a platform to examine evolving labour market realities, discuss the implications of refugee returns for both Syria and neighbouring host countries, and identify policy pathways that advance decent work, inclusive recovery, and regional cooperation. It seeks to strengthen social dialogue among tripartite partners to promote rights-based labour market governance, support Syria’s recovery, and enhance regional collaboration in managing labour market transitions, contributing to stability, inclusive growth across the region.