Syrian refugees in Jordan priced out of legal work by permit costs

Syrian refugees in Jordan face a precarious economic future as the cost of work permits has skyrocketed, pushing many into the informal labor market. Ahmed al Tamimi, a Syrian refugee, expressed his frustration, stating, "I am now forced to work illegally because employers refuse to cover the costs of work permits." This situation has become widespread, particularly following the fall of the Bashar al Assad regime in neighboring Syria.

The number of work permits issued to Syrian refugees in Jordan plummeted by 64.9% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to Taha Yousef, spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Jordan. Yousef explained that the cost increase in early 2025, after the World Bank ceased covering a portion of the expenses, significantly reduced permit issuance.

Previously, refugees paid approximately 20 dinars (about $28) for a permit, with the World Bank covering the remaining fees. Now, a work permit for migrant workers costs between 500 and 800 dinars ($705 to $1,128), depending on the sector. This steep price hike strains the relationship between refugees and employers, as most employers are unwilling to bear the full cost, leaving refugees to shoulder a substantial financial burden for legal employment.

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I am now forced to work illegally because employers refuse to cover the costs of work permits.

Yawahir, another refugee, shared her family's plight after her son, the sole breadwinner, could not obtain a work permit due to the prohibitive cost. His employer refused to pay, and fearing repercussions for employing an undocumented worker, terminated his contract. This loss of income has further worsened the family's economic situation.

UNHCR data also reveals a stark gender imbalance, with men receiving 94.8% of work permits in the first half of 2026, compared to only 5.2% for women. This decline in work permits coincides with a decrease in the overall registered Syrian refugee population in Jordan, which has fallen by 33.9% since 2015.

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the cost increased early 2025, after the World Bank stopped covering part of its cost, which contributed to reducing the number of permits issued.