AMMAN — Syrian refugee Odai Mahmoud, 19, feels safe when he leaves his trailer home in Zaatari camp to work in Amman.

He even started to earn more money. This all started to happen when the young man obtained a work permit.

Mahmoud used to work in farms near Zaatari Camp in Mafraq, 80km northeast of Amman, picking crops in return for JD5 to JD6 per day to support his parents and four siblings. 

His work was seasonal and he had to seek security permits from the camp’s administration.

Two months ago, Mahmoud was told by some of his friends that he could get a work permit, which enables him to work legally in Jordan. He applied and received it; no sweat.

“The best thing about having a work permit is that I feel safe and I am not worried if anyone asks me for my work permit anywhere any time. Before having it, I was afraid all the time,” Mahmoud told The Jordan Times in a recent interview.

“I currently work in construction in Amman and I earn about JD250 to JD300 per month. I stay in Amman for 15 days and then return to the camp for a few days and go back to work,”
Mahmoud said.

“When in Amman, I also ask around for better jobs which is something I was not able to do as all my work was limited to farms near the camp,” Mahmoud added.

Mahmoud is one of more than 39,000 Syrians who have been issued work permits, according to Mohammad Khatib, spokesperson of the Ministry of Labour. 

These permits are issued for Syrians who live in or outside refugee camps.

MORE:   http://jordantimes.com/news/local/secure-and-few-pennies-richer-syrian-refugees-enjoy-benefits-work-permit