Jordan Labour Market Briefing Paper

This paper highlights how Jordan faces significant labour market challenges characterised by low economic growth, high youth unemployment, and substantial employment barriers for vulnerable populations. With only 10 per cent of working-age women employed, and a large proportion of non-Jordanians (including refugees) in the workforce, the country struggles with creating sufficient job opportunities and addressing socio-cultural employment restrictions.

The government has implemented labour governance frameworks to support women, persons with disabilities and refugees, recognising the need for strategic interventions. Despite these challenges, the paper shows that there is potential for developing active labour market policies that can help marginalised groups, particularly those facing intersectional obstacles such as women with disabilities or refugee status, to access meaningful employment opportunities.