Amman:The Social Security Corporation (SSC) has launched an initiative aimed at expanding social insurance coverage for self-employed workers. This new project focuses on developing flexible insurance models to accommodate the irregular incomes typical of self-employed individuals, helping them to maintain their contributions and access benefits.
According to Jordan News Agency, the SSC's project will run until July 2028 and is supported technically by the International Labour Organization (ILO) with funding from Norway. The initiative aims to design and test flexible coverage models specifically tailored to the needs of self-employed workers. These models will explore short-term, financially sustainable options to assist workers in paying contributions and to increase awareness of their rights and available benefits.
The project will include consultations and technical discussions with various stakeholders, including government institutions, employer and worker organizations, civil society, representatives of self-employed workers, and development partners. Proposed models will undergo testing and refinement, with successful models being integrated into the SSC's systems for broader implementation.
Jalal Khasawneh, SSC Assistant Director General for Studies and Information, stated that the project seeks to address challenges related to irregular and fluctuating incomes, enabling self-employed workers to maintain insurance coverage. Recent regulations approved by the Cabinet introduce supplementary voluntary insurance and flexible coverage options, particularly for digital platform workers, aiming to provide basic protection against work-related injuries while ensuring the financial sustainability of the social insurance system.
Amal Mowafy, ILO Country Coordinator in Jordan and Senior Regional Employment Policy Specialist, emphasized the importance of social security in promoting decent work and transitioning to a formal economy. She highlighted the ILO's collaboration with the SSC and Norway's support in these efforts.
Nini Pharo Halle, Norwegian Embassy Deputy Head of Mission, stated that Norway's support aims to develop a more inclusive and sustainable social insurance system that addresses the needs of self-employed workers. The project also aligns with the Economic Modernization Vision and the National Social Protection Strategy, reinforcing efforts to strengthen economic security and facilitate the transition to the formal economy.