All publications for region

Informality and Structural Transformation in Egypt, Iraq and Jordan

Informality is a complex, multi-faceted phenomenon that encompasses a diverse array of activities, transactions, and individuals, operating largely outside formal businesses but, to a different extent, also inside them. It represents a critical, yet problematic component of global economic activity; that is: while informality can be a coping mechanism towards poverty alleviation when the economy is not producing enough formal jobs, high levels of structural informality expose economies to long-term vulnerabilities, which may be further reinforced when shocks hit them.In light of the pervasiveness and persistence of informality in the MENA region and the increasing exposure to global and regional shocks, the ILO, OECD, and UNDP have joined forces to advocate for effective forward-looking policies in MENA countries that create resilience while considering their possible impact on formalisation. This joint report reflects the work so far conducted, which involved:Desk research and a series of consultations with policy makers were conducted in a group of three countries, namely Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan, with a view to broadening the scope to more countries at a later stage of the joint activity. The analysis focused on the short and long-term impact of policy measures adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.The preliminary conclusions were discussed at the ILO-OECD-UNDP Workshop on Addressing Informality in the MENA Region in Times of Shocks, held at the OECD Istanbul Centre in November 2022. The discussions reflected on how countries capitalised on emergency measures enforced during recurrent social and economic shocks to implement a long-term reform agenda to address underlying structural vulnerabilities of the informal economy and thereby gradually encourage formalisation.The elaboration of an original framework for assessing the impact of selected economic and social policies, particularly policy measures implemented as a response to the COVID 19 pandemic, on formalisation of jobs and businesses.

Lebanon: An assessment summary

Providing care through the social and solidarity economy - Lebanon

This assessment highlights the critical need for improved working conditions for home-based care workers in Lebanon, primarily women. Lebanese nationals, migrant domestic workers, Syrian and Palestinian refugees, and other care workers face significant challenges, including low wages and inadequate legal and social protection. The assessment explores the viability of alternative SSE models to formalize employment, enhance social protection, and empower workers. Key findings emphasize the fragmented market for care services, the importance of facilitating care provision through SSE entities, and the need for a supportive legal and policy framework. Next steps include a validation workshop to align stakeholder priorities and the roll-out of ILO training tools. 

Providing care through the social and solidarity economy - Occupied Palestinian Territory

This assessment highlights the critical need for affordable, quality childcare services in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). Improving early childhood education and care can significantly enhance children's development and women's workforce participation. Despite the high demand, current childcare options are fragmented, informal, and often unsafe. The assessment recommends enhancing early childcare services, improving working conditions in nurseries, and promoting social and solidarity economy (SSE) models, such as cooperatives and non-profit institutions, to provide sustainable childcare solutions. The findings support the development of structured childcare services to empower women and address socio-economic challenges in the region.

ILO Brief - Bulletin No. 4

Impact of the war in Gaza on the labour market and livelihoods in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: Bulletin No. 4

2024

Heat and OSH Policy Brief: Best practices in the GCC region and beyond

In the vast stretches of the Arab region, the sun reigns with an intensity that touches all aspects of life. This is particularly true for the region’s workforce who, especially during the summer, face the relentless challenge of workplace heat exposure (WHE). The challenge of WHE is not just the heat; it is also about access to water, shade, and rest, combined with the need to meet high demands and tight schedules. WHE is not just an issue for the Arab world. As global temperatures rise, WHE is becoming a concern in places that never expected to face such scorching conditions. It is a worldwide problem that calls for global action as well as local solutions. This Policy Brief aims to shed light on the silent epidemic of WHE, to explain why it matters, and to showcase waysto protect workers. 

Women in Sports in Jordan - Goal for Life: Upskilling Fitness Trainers and Personal Trainers

In conjunction with a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Youth in Jordan and the International Labour Organization (ILO), “Goal for Life” programme, was conceptualised and implemented by Mudarrib, known for its expertise in sports consultancy. Mudarrib, a social enterprise registered with the Jordanian Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and in collaboration with the ILO, is committed to fostering women’s empowerment through the creation of decent employment opportunities and the mitigation of unemployment rates. This programme specifically focuses on equipping participants with the necessary skills for employment in gyms, educational institutions, and various sports facilities. Through effective utilisation of the media, the Goal for Life programme seeks to break misconceptions and stereotypes about women’s capabilities.

Diagnostic analysis of informality in agriculture, agri-food, and construction

This diagnostic study is part of the International Labour Organization (ILO) SOLIFEM project, which seeks to support the transition from the informal to the formal economy through tripartite social dialogue in the countries of the Southern Neighbourhood, with a particular focus on Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). This study seeks in particular to analyse the causes and characteristics of informality in three sectors of the Lebanese economy with high employment rates for youth, or with the potential to increase such rates. Informality is a serious impediment to attaining long-term economic growth and creating enough job opportunities. The expansion of the informal economy, which has been further propelled by the prolonged financial, economic and political difficulties Lebanon has faced since 2019, is an obstacle to workers’ pursuit of decent, formal work opportunities.

Identifying skills for transitions to formality in the Lebanese agri-food sector

This study analyses skills in the Lebanese agri-food sector, focusing on the status and trends in demand for skills in formal and informal occupations identified in two selected agri-food subsectors, (1) dairy production, and (2) non-alcoholic beverages. The two subsectors were selected in collaboration with a reference group comprising representatives of the trade unions CGTL and FENASOL, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI), the ministries of labour, agriculture and industry, and the Ministry of Education Directorate General of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DGTVET). Five occupations within each subsector were selected to be the primary focus of the study, identified through ten scoping calls held with companies active in the dairy production and non-alcoholic beverages subsectors. A total of 22 interviews (11 per subsector) were later conducted with companies in the subsectors for the purposes of data collection; representatives of six of the nine technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutes affiliated with the Ministry of Agriculture were interviewed.

ILO Brief - Bulletin No. 3

Impact of the war in Gaza on the labour market and livelihoods in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: Bulletin No. 3

ILO Report

Care at Work: Investing in Care Leave and Services for a More Gender Equal World of Work

Arab States Employment and Social Outlook - Trends 2024: Promoting social justice through a just transition

Executive Summary: Arab States Employment and Social Outlook - Trends 2024

ILO Brief - Bulletin No. 2

Impact of the escalation of hostilities in Gaza on the labour market and livelihoods in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: Bulletin No. 2

Report

Promoting Social Justice in the Global South: Global and regional South-South Cooperation good practices

Country briefs of the regulatory frameworks governing migrant workers in the Arab States

Support to livelihoods through cultural heritage development

Support to livelihoods through cultural heritage development in Jordan 2020 - 2024

Employment Intensive Investment Program (EIIP) and decent work in Jordan

Report

The social, economic and employment impacts of decarbonization and green industrial growth scenarios for the Middle East and North Africa region [Full report]

The social, economic and employment impacts of decarbonization and green industrial growth scenarios for the Middle East and North Africa region [Summary]