Jordan launches partnership to expand social security protection for own-account workers

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November 5, 2026, 14:49 GMT

AMMAN, Jordan (ILO News) – Jordan’s Social Security Corporation (SSC), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Amman launched a new project to strengthen effective social insurance coverage for own-account workers in Jordan.

The two-year project, Transforming social insurance for own-account workers in Jordan, recognizes the importance of ensuring that all workers can access social protection, regardless of their employment relationship or income. Own-account workers work independently rather than within a traditional employer–employee relationship and may have irregular incomes, making it more difficult to enrol in social insurance and maintain regular contributions.

Jalal Al-Khasawneh, SSC Assistant Director General for Studies and Information, addresses the project launch. — Jalal Al-Khasawneh, SSC Assistant Director General for Studies and Information, addresses the project launch in Amman, Jordan. 5 November 2026

“SSC continues to develop tools and models that respond to labour-market changes, provide access to essential protection and safeguard the financial sustainability of social insurance schemes. This project represents an important step towards developing innovative solutions that reflect the nature of own-account work, helping workers maintain their coverage and access social insurance protection and benefits, said SSC Assistant Director General for Studies and Information Jalal Al-Khasawneh,

The project will support the design, testing and integration of more flexible social security arrangements tailored to the needs of own-account workers, making the social security system more inclusive and responsive to their circumstances. In parallel, the project will explore temporary and financially sustainable ways to support social security contributions by the workers. It will also develop targeted outreach and communication to help workers understand their rights, benefits and relevant procedures.

Amal Mowafi, ILO Country Coordinator for Jordan, delivers opening remarks at the project launch in Amman, Jordan. 5 November 2026

“Social security is central to decent work and the transition to the formal economy,” said ILO Country Coordinator for Jordan and Senior Regional Employment Policy Specialist Amal Mowafi. “As forms of work become more diverse, social security systems respond to all workers, regardless of their work arrangements. We are pleased that this project brings together two of the ILO’s longstanding partners: SSC, a leading national partner in advancing inclusive social protection in Jordan, and the Kingdom of Norway, whose continued support make this important work possible,” Mowafy said.

Nini Pharo Halle, Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, speaks at the project launch in Amman, Jordan. 5 November 2026

“Expanding access to social protection is essential to promoting decent work and greater economic security. Through this partnership with the ILO and the SSC, Norway is supporting Jordan’s efforts to develop a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable social insurance system that responds to the realities of own-account workers. We particularly welcome the focus on strengthening national institutions and developing practical, long-term solutions that can make a lasting difference for workers across Jordan,” said Nini Pharo Halle, Deputy Head of Mission, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Amman.

SSC will lead the project’s implementation, with technical support from the ILO and funding from the Kingdom of Norway. Government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations, civil society, representatives of own-account workers and development partners will contribute through consultations and technical discussions.

The project will test the proposed arrangements and use evidence on enrolment and continued participation to improve them. Successful approaches can then be integrated into SSC systems and considered for wider application.

Running until July 2028, the project supports Jordan’s national priorities, including those outlined in the Economic Modernization Vision and the National Social Protection Strategy, by contributing to the development of a more inclusive and sustainable social protection system, strengthening economic security and facilitating the transition to the formal economy.

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