The World Bank has disbursed $37.9 million to the National Employment Program in Jordan, out of a total funding of $112 million, representing 33.8%. Another $74.1 million is yet to be disbursed until the program's goals are fully achieved.
اضافة اعلان
According to an evaluation report by the bank, the project, which was approved on December 17, 2021, aims to support Jordan’s efforts to stimulate employment and skill development in the private sector. The main goal of the program is to provide 60,000 job opportunities for Jordanians in the private sector, relying on demand from the private sector, with training provided when needed.
The report highlighted that the program has supported over 1,500 companies across all governorates and helped employ more than 46,000 job seekers, 53% of whom are women, and 11% are beneficiaries of the National Aid Fund. Additionally, nearly 24,000 beneficiaries have received on-the-job training through employers.
The report also noted that progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goal and overall program implementation is "somewhat satisfactory." It classified the overall risk assessment as "moderate" for the program, which is set to continue until the end of 2025.
The report confirmed that 56% of job seekers who received full support for six months were employed six months after the support period ended. The target for the end of this year is 75%.
The report also indicated that 74% of female job seekers who received full support (six months) were employed six months after the support ended, with a target of 75%. As for youth (ages 18-29), 72.5% of those who received full support (six months) were employed six months after the support ended, with a target of 75%.
Additionally, 75% of job seekers benefiting from the National Aid Fund who received full support (six months) were employed six months after the support ended.
The program requires that companies wishing to register be Jordanian and registered with the Social Security Corporation, and it prohibits companies from laying off any employee to hire another through the National Employment Program.
Negotiations to Extend the Program
The Ministry of Labor confirmed that it is currently in talks with the World Bank to restructure the National Employment Program to improve its effectiveness, expand its scope, and extend its duration, in coordination with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.
Ministry of Labor spokesperson, Mohammad Al-Zayoud, told "Al-Mamlaka" that the new restructuring of the program includes extending its duration to ensure the continued efforts in providing job opportunities for Jordanians across various sectors. It also aims to continue encouraging employment in the private sector by generating more job opportunities through wage support.
Regarding wage support, he mentioned that the restructuring includes continued direct financial support for employees' wages amounting to 150 Jordanian dinars per month for six months, which is distributed as follows: 130 dinars for wage support, 10 dinars for transportation allowances, 10 dinars for social security subscriptions, and an additional 15 dinars for women to encourage their participation in the labor market.
He also pointed out that the restructuring aims to expand the targeted groups, which include 35% women and 7% of working-age individuals who are beneficiaries of the National Aid Fund, in addition to individuals with disabilities.
He confirmed that the recent increase in the minimum wage from 261 dinars to 290 dinars has been reflected in institutions and companies employing Jordanians through the National Employment Program. (Al-Mamlaka)
