Syrian women permitted to be hired as domestic helpers, ministry says

AMMAN — Syrian women may  be employed as domestic helpers according to the law, which allows all Arab nationals to work in households, an official said on Wednesday.

"There is nothing that prohibits Syrian women from working as domestic helpers, provided that they meet the requirements, such as having work permits, being over 18 and enjoying good health," said Labour Ministry Secretary General Hamadah Abu Nijmeh.

He noted that Syrians are now granted free work permits.

"Most Jordanian families prefer helpers who work for particular hours without living in the home, which is exactly what Syrian women want. There is a great demand for domestic helpers who do their work and leave," Abu Nijmeh told The Jordan Times.

There are currently around 100,000 foreign domestic workers in Jordan, according to Khaled Hseinat, president of the Domestic Helpers Recruitment Agencies Association.