e-learning programme on rights in Jordan for Syrian refugees

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

The programme 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, Xinhua news agency reported.

Developed with support of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Corporation, the programme 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 towards 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 programme, which is accessible through smartphone devices, to encourage more Syrian workers to apply for work permits."

The programme 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 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with a vast majority living in urban areas.

According to official figures, there are around 44,000 Syrians who have obtained work permits in Jordan.

--IANS

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