All publications for topic

Informality and Structural Transformation in Egypt, Iraq and Jordan

Informality is a complex, multi-faceted phenomenon that encompasses a diverse array of activities, transactions, and individuals, operating largely outside formal businesses but, to a different extent, also inside them. It represents a critical, yet problematic component of global economic activity; that is: while informality can be a coping mechanism towards poverty alleviation when the economy is not producing enough formal jobs, high levels of structural informality expose economies to long-term vulnerabilities, which may be further reinforced when shocks hit them.In light of the pervasiveness and persistence of informality in the MENA region and the increasing exposure to global and regional shocks, the ILO, OECD, and UNDP have joined forces to advocate for effective forward-looking policies in MENA countries that create resilience while considering their possible impact on formalisation. This joint report reflects the work so far conducted, which involved:Desk research and a series of consultations with policy makers were conducted in a group of three countries, namely Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan, with a view to broadening the scope to more countries at a later stage of the joint activity. The analysis focused on the short and long-term impact of policy measures adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.The preliminary conclusions were discussed at the ILO-OECD-UNDP Workshop on Addressing Informality in the MENA Region in Times of Shocks, held at the OECD Istanbul Centre in November 2022. The discussions reflected on how countries capitalised on emergency measures enforced during recurrent social and economic shocks to implement a long-term reform agenda to address underlying structural vulnerabilities of the informal economy and thereby gradually encourage formalisation.The elaboration of an original framework for assessing the impact of selected economic and social policies, particularly policy measures implemented as a response to the COVID 19 pandemic, on formalisation of jobs and businesses.

SOLIFEM

Guidance on leveraging sustainability pathways to accelerate formalization

This guidance note has been developed through the ongoing collaboration between the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) within the framework of the regional project, "Social Dialogue for Formalization and Employability in the Southern Neighbourhood (SOLIFEM)," which is being implemented by the ILO and co-financed by the European Union in Egypt, among the four focus countries of the project (Algeria, Lebanon & Occupied Palestinian Territories).The primary objective of this guidance note is to show the relationship between corporate sustainability and formalization in Egypt's business landscape. It provides actionable strategies for companies to integrate sustainability into their operations while supporting formalization efforts. By showcasing pathways and entry points for sustainability, the guidance note empowers businesses to align growth with ethical practices and contribute to the transition to a formal economy.

Impact of social policies adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on informal employment in Argentina

Diagnostic analysis of informality in agriculture, agri-food, and construction

This diagnostic study is part of the International Labour Organization (ILO) SOLIFEM project, which seeks to support the transition from the informal to the formal economy through tripartite social dialogue in the countries of the Southern Neighbourhood, with a particular focus on Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). This study seeks in particular to analyse the causes and characteristics of informality in three sectors of the Lebanese economy with high employment rates for youth, or with the potential to increase such rates. Informality is a serious impediment to attaining long-term economic growth and creating enough job opportunities. The expansion of the informal economy, which has been further propelled by the prolonged financial, economic and political difficulties Lebanon has faced since 2019, is an obstacle to workers’ pursuit of decent, formal work opportunities.

Identifying skills for transitions to formality in the Lebanese agri-food sector

This study analyses skills in the Lebanese agri-food sector, focusing on the status and trends in demand for skills in formal and informal occupations identified in two selected agri-food subsectors, (1) dairy production, and (2) non-alcoholic beverages. The two subsectors were selected in collaboration with a reference group comprising representatives of the trade unions CGTL and FENASOL, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI), the ministries of labour, agriculture and industry, and the Ministry of Education Directorate General of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DGTVET). Five occupations within each subsector were selected to be the primary focus of the study, identified through ten scoping calls held with companies active in the dairy production and non-alcoholic beverages subsectors. A total of 22 interviews (11 per subsector) were later conducted with companies in the subsectors for the purposes of data collection; representatives of six of the nine technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutes affiliated with the Ministry of Agriculture were interviewed.

Formalization

Formalization and simplified micro and small enterprise regimes: Towards reform of the Viet Nam household business legislation

ILO Working paper 112

New technologies, e-government and informality - epub

ILO Working paper 112

New technologies, e-government and informality

ILO Working paper 112

New technologies, e-government and informality - mobi

Skills development

Skills Matter!

Guidelines for reinforcing the role of labour inspectors in addressing undeclared work

Assessment of the Cambodian National Social Security Fund’s health insurance schemes

Publication

Extending social protection for workers in Cambodia: A study to understand the characteristics of workers and enterprises in the informal economy

Insights into ILO Formalize Your Business in Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia and Senegal

Informal employment and Undeclared work in the Horeca sector: Findings from North Macedonia

Baseline survey on the state of informality in the cultural and creative sectors in Zimbabwe

This study explores the elements of decent work that are prevalent in the informal economy, namely labour rights; employment opportunities; social security and social dialogue; adequate earnings and productive work; working time, safety and health; and equal opportunity and treatment in employment within the cultural and creative sectors in Zimbabwe.

ILO Working Paper 103

New Forms of Employment and Labour Protection in China (epub)

Executive Summary: Arab States Employment and Social Outlook - Trends 2024

ILO Working Paper 103

New Forms of Employment and Labour Protection in China (mobi)

ILO Working Paper 103

New Forms of Employment and Labour Protection in China