ILO, Jordan Close Estidama++ Project Advancing Formal Employment and Protection

Implemented by the SSC with technical support from the ILO, Estidama++ enabled around 46,000 Jordanian and non-Jordanian workers to access social security coverage.

Under the patronage of Jordan’s Minister of Labour and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Social Security Corporation (SSC), Khaled Al Bakkar, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the SSC marked the official closing of Estidama++, a multi-donor initiative that significantly expanded social security coverage and strengthened labour formalization in Jordan.

Supported by the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, Estidama++ delivered tangible results in extending social protection to workers traditionally excluded from formal systems, while reinforcing institutional capacity and compliance within Jordan’s labour market.

Extending Social Security to Thousands of Workers and Employers

Implemented by the SSC with technical support from the ILO, Estidama++ enabled around 46,000 Jordanian and non-Jordanian workers to access social security coverage. The project reached wage and self-employed workers across diverse economic sectors and benefited more than 10,000 companies and employers.

By reducing financial barriers to enrolment through one-year contribution subsidies and targeted outreach, the initiative encouraged both employers and workers operating outside the formal economy to register with the social security system, supporting continued long-term coverage beyond the subsidy period.

Addressing Informality in a Changing Labour Market

Minister Al Bakkar described informal employment as one of the most pressing challenges facing Jordan’s labour market, noting that new and non-standard forms of work are increasingly reshaping employment patterns.

He said Estidama++ provided a practical and scalable model for supporting the transition from informal to formal employment through incentive-based social security registration.

“The project helped develop approaches that expand social protection coverage and enhance benefits, contributing to a gradual shift toward formal employment in line with national priorities,” he said.

Strong Donor Partnership and Long-Term Impact

Development partners highlighted the project’s effectiveness and lasting value.

Anniken Kleven-Gasser, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Kingdom of Norway to Jordan, said Estidama++ demonstrated how targeted incentives combined with strong national institutions can deliver real results.

“By extending protection to workers often left outside formal systems, the project contributes to more resilient and inclusive social protection in Jordan,” she said.

Pier de Vries, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, emphasized the project’s alignment with the PROSPECTS Partnership, supporting refugees and host communities through sustainable, long-term solutions.

“At the core of this partnership is our commitment to strengthening social protection systems and promoting decent work for all, particularly the most vulnerable,” he said.

Melissa Boutler, Social Protection Lead and Social Development Adviser at the Embassy of the United Kingdom, underscored the importance of access to social security for low-income workers.

“Ensuring access to social security protects families from shocks and supports wellbeing across the life cycle,” she said. “Estidama++ has improved daily lives while strengthening Jordan’s system in a sustainable and inclusive way.”

Evidence-Based Approaches Deliver Measurable Results

The initiative demonstrated the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions. Behaviourally informed outreach campaigns increased social security participation by 14 per cent, while collaboration with the International Social Security Association (ISSA) is helping translate Jordan’s experience into global dialogue on affordable and effective social protection systems.

Strengthening Institutions and National Systems

ILO Country Coordinator in Jordan and Senior Regional Employment Policy Specialist Amal Mowafy thanked the Government of Jordan, the SSC and development partners for their strong collaboration.

“The approaches piloted through Estidama++ support Jordan’s national efforts to expand social security coverage and ensure systems are inclusive, sustainable and aligned with international labour and social security standards,” she said.

She added that Estidama++ represents a key milestone in the long-standing partnership between the ILO and the SSC, contributing to a more protected, inclusive and resilient social security system in Jordan.

A Model for Future Formalization Efforts

The closing event showcased success stories, lessons learned and the project’s contribution to strengthening institutional capacity. Estidama++ demonstrated how targeted incentives, outreach and strong partnerships can expand coverage, promote formal employment and advance decent work in evolving labour markets.