A Syrian refugee's journey to rebuild in Erbil

This World Refugee Day, 21-year-old Majd, a Syrian refugee based in Erbil shares his story on what it means to start over.

June 20, 2021

21-year-old Syrian refugee Majd Nemer Alassil works at a supermarket in Erbil.

Photo: UNDP Iraq

Over the last decade, millions of Syrians have fled their home due to what remains one of the most devastating conflicts the world has seen. Around 5.5 million Syrians live as refugees and asylum-seekers in neighboring countries. Of which, almost a quarter of a million live in Iraq.

Despite all odds, Syrians continue to show remarkable strength and determination to start over, especially young people.

113 young people IDPs and Syrian refugees were supported through vocational training.

Photo: UNDP Iraq

Meet 21-year-old Majd Nemer Alassil, he is among the many young Syrians who live in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Originally from the historic city of Homs, he fled Syria with his family in mid-2018 and sought asylum in Erbil.

By then, Majd had only completed his schooling and did not have the means to pursue his higher education. With his circumstances changing, Majd had to take on the responsibility to support his family. He now lives with his mother, father, and two sisters in a single-bedroom apartment in Erbil.

"It was a turning point in my life where I had to take responsibility for supporting my family."

Majd while working at the cash counter.

Photo: UNDP Iraq

Through the Iraq Crisis Response and Resilience Programme, UNDP in partnership with Islamic Relief Worldwide organized an apprenticeship project that included vocational training followed by a three-month on-the-job training.

The project supported 113 young people through vocational training. Out of which, 50 people were placed in businesses, such as retail shops, sewing factories, restaurants, bakery shops, and hotels for on-the-job training.

In September 2020, Majd was among the 50 young people selected. First, he was trained in accounting and then placed for three months at a supermarket in Erbil. He received a salary of US$ 300 per month during this period.

Determined to unlock opportunities, Majd grabbed onto this chance. "I worked hard to gain experience and build my skill set. During my free time, I attended graphic design, computer, and accounting courses while also improving my English-speaking skills," shares Majd. Based on his performance during the internship, he was offered a full-time position as a cashier in the supermarket.

"This has helped me be financially independent and support my family."

Most displaced people, including refugees and internally displaced people, live in urban settlements more than in rural areas. With three out of four Syrian refugees in the governorate based in Erbil, there is a lot of competition in the job market combined with limited opportunities.

Creating job opportunities like this is an essential step towards integrating refugees like Majd into the community as they embrace their new lives. Even though the socio-economic situation for displaced Iraqis is also challenging, local employers continue to hire Syrian refugees, demonstrating their strong sense of solidarity.

On Majd's experience so far, he says, "My manager is very considerate, especially when I have to apply for leave to process my residency permits and registrations." His colleagues have helped him learn to speak Kurdish while also showing him the ropes of how the business works.

"I find the work here interesting and the customers receptive. Interacting with the friendly customers, especially the regulars gives me a reason to come to work every day."

Majd is ready to start his day at work with a big smile.

Photo: UNDP Iraq

Majd continues to dream big and work hard to support his family. "I try to be proactive and identify sales opportunities to improve the business. When there are products that are nearing their expiration date, I market them on sale to ensure all stocks are cleared."

He hopes to see similar opportunities like this for other Syrian refugees within his community. "The current economic situation is tough and finding jobs that pay well are limited. I am fortunate to have this job, especially as I am not a fluent Kurdish speaker." He encourages other young Syrians in Iraq to stay strong and keep applying for jobs.

"They (young Syrians) need to think out of the box and search for jobs online. I learned about this opportunity online. The process might take time, and you will receive many rejections, but it will eventually work out."

Since the programme's inception in 2014, over 7,000 people have received vocational training, and over 10,000 have been trained in business development. The programme continues to work with Syrian refugees and internally displaced Iraqis towards improving access to durable solutions, particularly sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The project was implemented by UNDP, in partnership with Islamic Relief Worldwide, with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), provided through KFW Development Bank.