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— Draft law establishing national accreditation, quality assurance framework approved
— Accreditation body mandate expanded to cover schools, higher education, training
— Cabinet moves to establish int'l arbitration centre
— JD3.25m allocated for housing finance support programme
AMMAN — The Cabinet, during a session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Monday, decided to extend tourism support programmes and facilities to specialised tourist transport companies affected by recent regional tensions that have impacted tourism activity.
Under the decision, the companies will be eligible for financial facilities previously approved for the tourism sector, including financing to cover operational expenses, with the government covering the associated interest costs until the end of 2026, according to a Prime Ministry statement.
The Cabinet said that the measure aims to ensure the continuity of these companies, preserve investment and jobs in the sector, and maintain the readiness of the tourist transport fleet in line with expected recovery in tourism activity.
According to government figures, 26 licensed specialised tourist transport companies operate in the Kingdom, with a fleet of around 1,100 buses and tourist vehicles and about 2,500 employees.
The Cabinet also approved the draft Quality Assurance and Accreditation Commission Law of 2026 and referred it to the Lower House in accordance with the Constitution.
The government said that the draft law aims to establish an integrated national framework for accreditation and quality assurance across general and higher education, as well as vocational and technical training.
It expands the commission’s mandate to include accreditation and quality assurance for kindergartens and public and private schools, and transfers responsibilities related to recognition of non-Jordanian educational institutions, degree equivalency, and verification and certification of academic credentials to the commission.
The draft law also strengthens the commission’s role in accrediting higher education institutions and vocational and technical training programmes, as well as managing the National Qualifications Framework to better align education outcomes with labour market needs, the statement said.
The government said that the measure is aimed at improving education quality, enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian educational institutions, and supporting investment in human capital.
The Cabinet also approved the draft Professional Work Regulation Law of 2026, aimed at regulating professional and technical occupations and curbing unregulated practices in the labour market.
The legislation assigns the Ministry of Labour responsibility for professional and technical examinations, issuing professional licences, and licensing vocational and technical training providers.
The Cabinet also approved the justifications for a draft amendment to the Arbitration Law of 2026, aimed at establishing a specialised international arbitration centre and strengthening Jordan’s position as a regional hub for dispute resolution and investment.
It also approved the justifications for a draft bylaw amending the administrative structure of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply, including the establishment of a Competition Protection Department to enhance implementation of the Competition Law and improve institutional efficiency.
The Cabinet also approved the Cooperative Development Institute Bylaw and the Cooperative Fund Bylaw, aimed at supporting cooperatives through capacity-building, training and financing programmes to enhance their developmental role and create job opportunities.
It also approved a draft law repealing the Civil Consumer Corporation Law, paving the way for the completion of its merger with the Military Consumer Corporation, in a move aimed at improving service efficiency and strengthening food security while preserving employees’ rights.
The Cabinet also approved JD3.25 million in government support under the Housing Finance Support Programme for eligible households, aimed at helping low- and middle-income families access home ownership through concessional loans.
