MoU signed to facilitate transfer of foreign workers in construction sector

AMMAN — The Ministry of Labour, the Social Security Corporation (SSC) and the Jordanian Construction Contractors Association on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to streamline the movement of foreign workers within the construction sector.

The MoU, signed in the presence of Minister of Labour Khaled Bakkar, President of the Jordanian Construction Contractors Association Fouad Duwairi, SSC Director-General Mohammad Tarawneh, and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Labour Farouk Hadidi, aims to provide "greater flexibility" in procedures to meet the seasonal labour needs of the sector.

Bakkar noted that the agreement seeks to maintain the continuity of the construction sector's operations by allowing foreign workers holding valid work permits to transfer among employers within the same sector under specific conditions, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The aim of the move is to ensure that projects continue without disruption due to labour shortages.

The minister also emphasised that the MoU safeguards foreign workers by extending the protection of the SSC, which will provide coverage for work-related injuries.

Tarawneh commended the MoU as a "positive" development, noting that it offers important protection for foreign workers and facilitates their movement within the construction sector.

Duwairi said that the memo will ease operations in the construction sector by allowing employers to benefit from foreign workers without facing legal challenges, all while ensuring workers' social security protection.

The meeting included discussions on establishing a company under the association to oversee foreign labour management in the sector, including recruitment, employment and coordination with employers.

The three sides also agreed to reactivate the association’s training centre, which previously focused on training Jordanian workers in the sector, with the goal of increasing the number of Jordanians employed in the industry.