The Privilege to Work: Syrian Refugees in Jordan, Technical and Vocational Education Training, and the Remote Work Loophole

Abstract

Abstract Jordan is the second biggest host of Syrian refugees per capita in the world, yet, initially, refugees were not given the legal right to work. Investment in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) was seen as a way to equip refugees and host communities to find employment, and with the 2016 Jordan Compact, a formal pathway for employment was created for Syrians refugees in Jordan. It appears that, despite some avenues for formal work and the significant investment in TVET programmes, many refugees still prefer to work in the informal sector. Through interviews with TVET providers in Jordan, this article assesses the role of TVET and explores the reasons for the preference for informal work among Syrian refugees in Jordan. The research shows that the most successful TVET programmes include digital skills training, as this enables refugees to work remotely, and informally, circumventing local laws that limit their participation in the local labour market. Yet, while digital skills appear to be the most promising in terms of actually helping refugees acquire work, there are still significant challenges.