Jordan expands social protection to boost economic empowerment
King Abdullah’s modernization drive strengthens aid programs, wages, and housing
AMMAN, Jordan (MNTV) – Jordan is ramping up its social protection efforts to strengthen economic empowerment and reduce poverty, aligning with King Abdullah II’s directives for national modernization.
The government has expanded financial aid and introduced sustainable programs to enhance healthcare, education, housing, and wage levels.
“The focus has shifted from temporary relief to long-term economic solutions,” said Ahmed Awad, founder of the Phenix Center for Economic and Informatics Studies.
“Expanding social security to freelance and informal workers, who make up nearly 40% of the workforce, is crucial for sustainable progress.”
The National Aid Fund (NAF) has seen a significant budget increase, reaching nearly $400 million in 2025, up from $210 million at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, $338 million of the total $705 million in social aid was allocated through the NAF, underscoring Jordan’s commitment to expanding financial assistance to vulnerable groups.
This increase in funding has allowed more families to receive monthly cash transfers, and new assistance programs have been introduced to support widows, orphans, and individuals with disabilities.
Housing remains a key pillar of social protection. Programs like the Ministry of Social Development’s Karama initiative, launched in 2019, aim to prevent intergenerational poverty, benefiting over 1.1 million individuals, including working-poor families.
Additionally, the government is rolling out new affordable housing projects targeting low-income families, providing them with subsidized rent and financial support for homeownership.
Experts stress the importance of an integrated approach. “A unified national registry is essential to streamline aid distribution and prevent redundancy,” said Samer Balqar, general manager of Tkiyet Um Ali.
He also highlighted the need for updated poverty data to ensure accurate targeting of aid recipients. The government is also investing in digital platforms to improve transparency and efficiency in aid distribution, ensuring resources reach those in need more effectively.
While increased social spending is seen as a positive step, Awad calls for new, affordable insurance programs to reduce dependency on aid while ensuring long-term financial stability.
He suggests strengthening vocational training programs and small business grants to empower individuals economically, making them less reliant on social assistance.
Jordan’s modernization strategy aims to foster economic self-sufficiency, reinforcing social protection as a foundation for sustainable development.
With continued investment in social welfare and economic empowerment, the country hopes to create lasting improvements in living standards and social mobility for its most vulnerable populations.
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