Millions of Syrians have been forced from their homes into neighboring countries. Opportunities to work legally are few and far between, and refugees have found themselves trapped in limbo with little to do but wait – for over half a decade.

Over 660,000 registered Syrian refugees have sought refuge in the small nation of Jordan. Last year, Jordan promised to issue 200,000 work permits to Syrian refugees – an unprecedented move to finally give refugees the opportunity to work without fear of arrest or deportation. Over 50,000 of the permits have been issued so far, however very few have been issued to women.

In a country with high unemployment and limited natural resources, the new policy was not embraced by all. But the chance to work – often viewed as the cause of so many tensions – is bringing Syrians and Jordanians closer together.

These stories are a lesson to the world in providing a safe haven, support and friendship to those fleeing violence.

I wrote these stories based on interviews, and took the photos.