New labour policies to boost local employment, end foreign hiring in municipalities, sanitation sector - minister

AMMAN — Minister of Labour Khaled Al Bakkar on Sunday stressed the government’s commitment to regulating the labour market and ensuring transparency through a comprehensive data system.

Speaking at a panel discussion hosted by the West Irbid Municipality, Bakkar outlined key labour policies, including a decision to phase out non-Jordanian workers from municipal sanitation jobs by early 2026, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

He noted that Jordanian youth are increasingly willing to take on such jobs, allowing for a complete transition to local employment. By 2026, there will be no non-Jordanian workers in municipal sanitation jobs," he said, underscoring the ministry’s broader efforts to create a fair and sustainable labour market.

Bakkar also said that starting January 2026, the ministry will cease issuing or renewing work permits for non-Jordanian workers in municipalities, noting that this shift is expected to generate 100,000 job opportunities for Jordanians over the following two years.

Beyond managing non-Jordanian labour, Bakkar highlighted ongoing efforts to combat child labour, improve workplace conditions, and enhance the labour market’s appeal. He warned against wage violations and stressed the importance of fair pay, particularly in increasing female workforce participation.

Addressing concerns about labour shortages, the minister dismissed claims that crackdowns on undocumented foreign workers had driven up wages or disrupted the market. He revealed that 50,000 non-Jordanian workers had left for vacation before Ramadan, while only 3,000 undocumented workers had been deported since the beginning of the year.

In early 2025, the ministry, in cooperation with the Interior Ministry and the Public Security Directorate, launched a nationwide inspection campaign to enforce labour laws.

This followed a grace period in late 2024, allowing employers to legalise foreign workers’ status. As of March, 310,000 work permits were active, yet 50,000 non-Jordanian workers remained unregistered since 2021, with only 26,000 regularising their status last year.

To address industry-specific labour demands, the ministry has introduced specialised work permits under strict regulations while barring foreign workers from subcontracting roles.

The government is also prioritising human capital development by establishing training academies in partnership with the private sector. New centres in Aqaba and Al Hasa will equip Jordanian workers with the skills needed to replace non-Jordanian labour in key industries.

Currently, over 10,000 young Jordanians are enrolled in vocational training programmes, with additional centres supported by HRH Crown Prince Hussein. These initiatives aim to align Jordan’s workforce with future market needs.

Bakkar also highlighted financial support schemes, including interest-free loans from the Employment Development Fund for entrepreneurs under 35. Additionally, the National Employment Programme subsidises wages for six months, covers social security contributions, and provides incentives to boost female workforce participation.