"UNHCR, ILO and World Bank: Periodic Analysis of Syrian Workers in Jordan", October 2017

A recent survey of Syrians working in Jordan found that the majority want work permits, but say that their employers are currently unable or unwilling to sponsor them. Among Syrians currently working without work permits, 89 per cent said that they want a work permit. However, only 26 percent believe their employers would sponsor them. Further research is needed to understand the reasons behind employer reluctance to sponsor Syrian workers for work permits. Qualitative assessments point to several issues that constrain businesses from formalizing their Syrian employees: businesses themselves are unregistered, employers are unable to commit to stable employment for the worker, the time and effort required to obtain a work permit, and that the quota system prevents registration of additional non-Jordanian workers…Among those surveyed, the majority work on a short term basis. Nearly a third are day labourers. 37 per cent hold work permits, most of them through agriculture cooperatives. Of those who hold work permits, the majority paid the work permit fees themselves. The survey, based on a random sample of Syrians registered with UNHCR, reached 548 Syrians currently working in Jordan…