A national workshop held in Amman on 9–10 November brought together the Social Security Corporation (SSC), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Social Security Association (ISSA) to explore global models for expanding social security coverage through contribution subsidies. Organized under the Estidama++ programme—which is supported by the ILO and funded by the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Norway—the event focused on exchanging international experiences and examining mechanisms that can help countries integrate informal and vulnerable workers into social protection systems. The workshop also showcased Jordan’s own progress through the Estidama++ programme as an emerging national model.
Opening the event, SSC Director General Jadallah Al-Khalaila emphasized that extending social protection to every worker in Jordan remains a top priority. He noted that the Estidama++ programme plays a critical role by providing contribution subsidies that encourage vulnerable workers to join the social security system. Al-Khalaila stressed the value of learning from global practices to strengthen legislative and insurance frameworks and urged participants to contribute ideas for developing new programmes inspired by successful international examples.
The workshop gathered experts from Jordan, Tunisia, Brazil, Malaysia, the Philippines, Uruguay, and Turkey to share lessons on how contribution subsidies can support stronger social protection systems and accelerate transitions to formal employment. ILO representatives reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the SSC in building sustainable, inclusive policies that promote labour market participation and economic empowerment. ISSA experts highlighted findings from a global review of subsidy schemes, noting that well-designed, fiscally aligned models can expand coverage and advance broader policy goals such as formalization.
Interactive sessions explored policy design, financing options, implementation challenges, and lessons learned, while group discussions focused on identifying feasible subsidy mechanisms tailored to Jordan’s needs. The workshop aimed to lay the groundwork for a national roadmap to expand contribution subsidies within the social security system.
The outcomes are expected to strengthen Jordan’s social protection architecture, support the shift of workers into the formal economy, and deepen collaboration between the SSC, ILO, and ISSA. The Estidama++ programme has already supported around 46,000 workers—including women and informal workers—by offering one-year contribution subsidies and incentives to encourage their registration under social security.
