Jordan deports over 2,000 undocumented workers in ongoing inspection campaign
The Ministry of Labour arrests 2,419 non-Jordanian workers for violating labour laws and regulations in January and February (File photo)
AMMAN — The Ministry of Labour has arrested 2,419 non-Jordanian workers for violating labour laws and regulations in January and February this year, as part of a joint inspection campaign conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and the Public Security Directorate (PSD).
In a statement on Wednesday, Ministry Spokesperson Mohammad Zyoud announced that more than 2,000 of the detained workers have already been deported, including 104 domestic workers, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
He added that a number of the remaining workers are still undergoing deportation proceedings, while others have had their fines paid by employers to cancel their deportation and legalise their status under labour laws.
Zyoud stressed that the campaign is ongoing and follows regulatory measures introduced by the minister of labour in the last two months of 2024, noting that these measures aim at allowing non-Jordanian workers to move between sectors, helping companies to take advantage of the existing labour force in the Kingdom.
He said that the ministry had urged employers in late 2024 to legalise the status of undocumented foreign workers in their employment to avoid penalties.
Under the Labour Law, companies found to be employing undocumented workers face fines of at least JD800 per worker.
Zyoud noted that the ministry's efforts aim at regulating the labour market and ensuring that non-Jordanian workers are only employed in authorised occupations.
"Jordan values its foreign workforce and upholds equal labour rights for all workers, regardless of nationality. However, those wishing to work in the Kingdom must comply with labour laws," the spokesperson said.
Regarding the domestic workers caught up in the inspection campaign, Zyoud revealed that many had been reported to the PSD as runaways before being found working for new employers, while others had been illegally employed in jobs unrelated to domestic work.
He urged employers to refrain from hiring undocumented workers, whether for domestic work or other jobs, to avoid legal consequences.
Zyoud added that employers still have the opportunity to rectify the status of undocumented workers by paying all required work permit fees and fines before they are arrested, warning that the ministry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and the PSD, will continue to enforce labour laws through its inspection campaign.
As the government intensifies its crackdown on labour violations, a recent Tamkeen for Legal Aid and Human Rights report highlighted persistent challenges for women in Jordan's labour market. In 2024, Tamkeen recorded 202 complaints from female workers, particularly in sectors such as domestic work, beauty salons and manufacturing.
The report revealed that 59 per cent of these complaints involved domestic workers, many of whom faced delayed wages, lack of social security coverage, and excessive working hours.
Additionally, female workers often endure unsafe working conditions, including withheld passports, unpaid overtime, and cases of harassment or abuse.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Roya News
15 hours ago
- Roya News
VIDEO: More than 20 casualties as Daesh bomber targets church in Damascus
A suicide bomber affiliated with the Daesh terrorist group attacked Mar Elias Church in the Dweilaa neighborhood of Damascus on Sunday, according to a statement from Syria's Ministry of Interior. The attacker reportedly entered the church, opened fire, and then detonated an explosive vest, causing significant damage and casualties. Ambulances were seen transporting victims from the scene. The exact number of casualties remains unclear; however, initial reports indicate that more than 20 people were killed or injured. Earlier, Syria's Minister of Information, Dr. Hamzah al-Mustafa, strongly condemned what he described as a cowardly terrorist act targeting the church. He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, emphasizing that such an attack stands in stark contrast to the values of citizenship that unite all Syrians. 'We, as Syrians, affirm the importance of national unity and civil peace,' he said. 'We call for strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among all segments of society.' Dr. al-Mustafa reaffirmed the state's commitment to equal citizenship, national stability, and fighting criminal organizations. He pledged that all necessary efforts will be made to protect society and prevent future threats to public safety.
Al Bawaba
18 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
Shujoun Al-Hajri released on bail after drug arrest sparks uproar
ALBAWABA - Kuwaiti actress Shujoun Al-Hajri released on bail amid controversy. It was decided by the Public Prosecution of Kuwait that Shujoun Al-Hajri should be released for his release. Legal representative Jarrah Mubarak Al-Wawan stated that his client, Shujoun, was freed on bond in the amount of two hundred dinars, with the condition that he be subject to medical supervision at this time. This comes just a few days after she was taken into custody on charges of carrying psychotropic medications and opioids with the intention of consuming them. Following an examination of the medical records, which indicated that it was necessary to place Shojoon under medical monitoring, the decision to release him was handed down. Regarding the specifics of the investigation's progression, there were no additional details disclosed. The Ministry of Interior of Kuwait had previously made an announcement regarding the arrest of a female citizen who was found to be in possession of narcotics. Additionally, the ministry had published a photograph of a person whose facial features were strikingly similar to those of Shujoun Al-Hajri, which caused a great deal of debate on social media. Shujoun Al-Hajri Instagram profile Recirculating news or photographs of Shujoun Al-Hajri on social media is a violation of Kuwaiti law, according to a legal statement filed by Shujoun's attorney. The statement further emphasized that defaming Shujoun is a felony that can result in legal consequences. In addition, he urged that her privacy be respected during this particular period of time. It is important to note that on Saturday, the Kuwaiti Women's Cultural and Social Society issued a statement in which it expressed its concern over the reporting style surrounding the arrest of Shujoun Al-Hajri. The statement also emphasized the necessity of respecting the privacy of individuals, particularly in situations that involve health and psychological aspects. "The Kuwaiti Women's Cultural and Social Society appreciates the Ministry of Interior's efforts in combating drugs and its continued commitment to protecting society and its members," the society stated on its Instagram account. "We are fully committed to safeguarding society and its members."
Roya News
21 hours ago
- Roya News
Jordanian army intercepts drone carrying crystal meth on eastern border
A military source in the General Command of the Jordanian Armed Forces – Arab Army said Sunday that the Eastern Military Region successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle narcotics using a drone. The source explained that Border Guard forces, in coordination with security agencies and the Anti-Narcotics Department, detected a drone attempting to cross the border illegally. The drone was intercepted and brought down inside Jordanian territory, and its payload—identified as crystal meth—was seized and transferred to the relevant authorities. The source stressed that the Jordanian Armed Forces remain committed to using all available resources and capabilities to prevent infiltration and smuggling in all forms, in order to safeguard the security and stability of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
