Syrian refugees get e-learning program on rights in Jordan

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) on Tuesday launched an e-learning program for Syrian refugees in Jordan that explains their rights and responsibilities under the country's labour law.

The program is part of on-going efforts by the ILO to help formalise the work of Syrian refugees in Jordan, the international agency said in a statement.

It outlines the benefits of working legally through obtaining work permits, as well as the procedures needed to obtain them.

Developed with support of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Corporation, the program consists of video segments and other training material, covering work permits, workers' rights, sectors open to non-Jordanian workers, social security and occupational safety and health.

"Helping Syrian refugees become formally employed is an important step toward protecting workers and improving their conditions at work," said Maha Kattaa, a coordinator for the ILO Syrian Refugee Response in Jordan.

"We have therefore designed a free, easy-to-use program, which is accessible through smartphone devices, to encourage more Syrian workers to apply for work permits."

The program will initially be used by 500 Syrians in Irbid, Mafraq, Zarqa, Amman, working in the construction sector and the agricultural sector, where a large number of workers are women. It will be expanded to reach more workers in other sectors.

The number of Syrian refugees stands at approximately 1.3 million, according to the government of Jordan, including 657,000 registered with UNHCR, with a vast majority living in urban areas.

There are around 44,000 Syrians who obtained work permits in Jordan, according to official figures. Endit