Migrant workers and refugees are vulnerable to the same challenges when trying to access basic services — in particular education and health — in the host/receiving country. Understanding the obstacles they face and strategies to overcome them is key to guaranteeing social protection and the active participation of non-nationals in the host communities’ economic growth and societal development, and thus avoiding marginalization and disenfranchisement. Based on ARDD’s

research and experience, and having consulted with the Migrant Workers Committee (CMW)1 in Jordan, the brief proposes four recommendations to help secure better access to fundamental services.

1- Invest in quality data gathering through targeted research in the field to identify specific vulnerabilities by providing disaggregated data that uncovers the specific struggles faced by migrant workers and refugees in different working sectors, with particular attention to gender, age, ethnicity, and health conditions.

2- Strengthen the network of migrant workers and refugees to ensure effective communication and exchanges with their communities.

3- Conduct joint advocacy campaigns with local and international organizations addressing (1) local authorities for removing fundamental barriers to access the services, (2) stakeholders to secure sufficient funding to support covering the essential services through, e.g., sustainable projects, (3) educators and the host community to allow for more social inclusiveness in the education sector.

4- Involve traditional and social media in promoting a fair account of the reality experienced by migrant workers and refugees.

1 This committee, including 30 representatives of various non-national (migrant worker and refugee) communities in Jordan, is set up and supported through the

ARDD’s Haquna project.