Under the patronage of Jordan’s Minister of Labour, Khaled Al Bakkar, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Jordan’s Social Security Corporation (SSC) marked the conclusion of Estidama++, a multi-donor initiative supported by Norway, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The project celebrated its achievements in expanding social security coverage and promoting labour market formalization across Jordan.
Estidama++ enabled approximately 46,000 Jordanian and non-Jordanian workers, including wage and self-employed workers, to access social security benefits, while supporting over 10,000 companies and employers. Implemented by the SSC with technical guidance from the ILO, the project strengthened labour protection, compliance, and formal employment practices, bridging gaps in social security coverage across multiple economic sectors.
Minister Khaled Al Bakkar highlighted informal employment as a major challenge in Jordan’s labour market and praised Estidama++ as a practical model for transitioning workers into the formal economy. He noted that the project’s incentive-based approaches enhance social protection coverage and benefits, contributing to a gradual shift from informal to formal employment in line with Jordanian government priorities and broader efforts to promote decent work.
Development partners emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative. Norway’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Anniken Kleven-Gasser, noted that targeted incentives combined with strong national institutions can deliver tangible results, extending protection to workers typically excluded from formal systems. Similarly, the Netherlands’ Deputy Head of Mission, Pier de Vries, highlighted the project’s alignment with broader development goals, including support for refugee-hosting initiatives and sustainable social protection systems. The UK’s Social Protection Lead, Melissa Boutler, stressed that social security access for low-income workers is essential for protecting families and supporting overall wellbeing.
The project focused on self-employed and wage workers in enterprises outside the formal economy, offering a one-year contribution subsidy and tailored outreach to incentivize social security enrolment. This approach encouraged both employers and workers to formalize employment relationships, ensuring continued coverage beyond the subsidy period.
Amal Mowafy, ILO Country Coordinator in Jordan, praised the collaboration between the Jordanian government, SSC, and development partners, emphasizing that the project aligns with international labour and social security standards. She noted that the initiative represents a milestone in strengthening Jordan’s social protection system and institutional capacities, supporting inclusive and sustainable coverage for all workers.
Evidence-based interventions under Estidama++ yielded measurable results, including a 14% increase in social security participation through behaviourally informed outreach campaigns. Collaboration with the International Social Security Association (ISSA) also enabled Jordan to contribute to global discussions on affordable and effective social protection systems.
The closing event highlighted the project’s success stories, lessons learned, and its contribution to a more resilient social security system in Jordan. Estidama++ demonstrated practical approaches to expanding coverage, promoting formal employment, and strengthening institutional capacities, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s social protection framework.
