ILO-supported programme is changing lives in Jordan through social protection

Amman, (ILO News)— Representatives from the Kingdom of Norway and the Kingdom of the Netherlands visited the International Labour Organization (ILO) office and local enterprises in Amman to observe firsthand the progress of Estidama++ Fund in expanding social protection coverage for workers in Jordan.

Estidama++ fund for extending social protection and formalization is a multi-donor initiative supported by the United Kingdom, Norway, and the Netherlands. The project is implemented by the Social Security Corporation (SSC) with technical support from the ILO and aims to extend social protection to workers often left outside the formal system.

The visit allowed donor delegations to engage directly with officials from the SSC, program beneficiaries, and participating employers. These direct engagements offered valuable insights into how Estidama++ is helping to close coverage gaps and improve the lives of vulnerable workers across the country.

“It has been incredibly valuable to see how Estidama++ is working on the ground. Meeting the people behind the businesses, hearing their challenges and successes, gives us a much stronger sense of what this program is achieving,” said Ms. Anniken Kleven-Gasser, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Norwegian Embassy in Amman. “Norway supports Estidama++ because we believe inclusive social protection is a foundation for both dignity and development. Too many workers—especially women and those in informal jobs—remain outside safety nets. Estidama++ helps bridge that gap.”

© ILO/ Nader Daoud

© ILO/ Nader Daoud

During the meeting with the donor representatives, a participating restaurant manager shared how Estidama++ was instrumental in helping their business recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during periods of financial instability, while extending protection to the workers.

“The Netherlands strongly believes in inclusive social protection and decent work for all. Estidama++ is a powerful example of what partnership can achieve—supporting both Jordanian and Syrian workers, while helping employers and workers plan for the future, care for their families, and contribute to a stronger economy. We are proud to collaborate with the Social Security Corporation, the ILO, Norway, and the United Kingdom on this important initiative.” Said Pier de Vries, deputy head of mission at the embassy of the Netherlands in Jordan.

“Estidama++ is directly aligned with the goals of Jordan’s newly launched National Social Protection Strategy 2025-2033, which emphasizes inclusive coverage and innovation in extending social security to both wage workers and self-employed workers regardless of their nationality. This fund embodies how partnerships with international donors and proactive outreach can transform national policy into tangible change for vulnerable workers.” said Mohammed Khrais, SSC project coordinator in a statement to the ILO.

© ILO/ Nader Daoud

© ILO/ Nader Daoud

Following the roundtable at the ILO, delegates visited the Qura Chocolate Factory (La Roche), where they met with workers who shared their experiences of accessing social protection for the first time. Factory management emphasized the project’s role in supporting small businesses to formalize employment, motivate their staff and comply with national social security regulations.

“Social protection is key to achieving Decent Work,” said Fernando Martinez Cure, Project Manager and Social Protection Specialist at ILO. “Estidama++ is strengthening the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient labour market in Jordan. This visit reflects our shared commitment with the Government of Jordan and international donors to building a more equitable system.”

Since its launch in 2022, Estidama++ has supported the enrolment of over 45,000 workers in Jordan’s social security system. The project is fostering a shift toward more secure and formal employment across key sectors, through offering contribution subsidies to facilitate registration for Jordanians and non-Jordanians, with special focus on women and Syrian refugees.

The Estidama++ Fund supports two main groups: wage workers in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and self-employed workers in key sectors. Managed by the SSC with technical support from the ILO, and under the framework of an agreement with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, the fund offers short-term contribution subsidies to facilitate registration—especially for women and Syrian refugees.