LABOR MARKET AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Create A Dynamic and Inclusive Labor Market That Provides Equitable Access to Employment Opportunities
The Government of Jordan is committed to advance the labor market, enhance job formality, ensuring fair working conditions and rights for all employees, In addition to supporting the modernization of the pension system to support long-term financial security for workers.
Thus, this pillar aims to create a dynamic and inclusive labor market that provides equitable access to employment opportunities, bridge the skills gap, promote lifelong learning, and equip individuals with the necessary competencies to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
The government has also identified a set of reforms to improve female participation in the workforce.
By championing labor market and skills development reforms, the government is fostering a conducive environment for economic growth, social well-being, and sustainable development in Jordan.
Reform Area
6.1 ACCESS TO JOBS
Achieved
2018 – 2023
Workplace Code of Conduct (CoC) adopted
Gender-based discrimination in applying for credit prohibited
Passport application process across gender normalized
Labor Law enacted to protect harassment and violence victims from losing jobs and/or opportunities for advancement
Workplace Sexual Harassment Grievance Mechanism established
Flexible Work Bylaw and instructions adopted
Voluntary retirement for years of enrollment in the SSC above 30 (20 for women and 25 for men) years of service enforced through a buyout system
Expanding part-time workers coverage instructions by SSC issued
A mechanism for developing a Roadmap for Wage Digitization developed
Social Security Law amended to permit 25% maternity fund utilization for social programs related to maternity insurance
Social Security Law amended and enacted to reduce subscription rates for new market entrants for a period of up to 10 years
Nurseries’ Licensing Bylaw enacted
E-licensing for nurseries launched
Revision of Nurseries’ Licensing Bylaws and Instructions conducted, and new regulatory model developed
Expand modalities for provision of workplace based childcare services instructions enacted in accordance with Labor Law Article 72b
Home based childcare licensing instruction enacted
New set of Nurseries’ Licensing legislations drafted and consulted
New set of Nurseries’ Licensing legislations enacted
Flexible Work Bylaw amended and enacted by Ministry of Labor
In Progress
2024
Following the amendment of the Labor Law, CoC adopted in private sector’s internal systems and employee handbooks and communicated
Flexible workers’ pension contributions instructions issued by Social Security Cooperation
Roadmap for Wage Digitization launched and implemented
Reform Area
6.2 JOB FORMALITY
Achieved
2018 – 2023
ISCO-8 occupation classification groups for work permits adopted
Agricultural full and part-time labor regulating bylaw and instruction enacted
Inspection criteria as per Labor Law expanded
JSCO-8 occupation classification for issuing work permits adopted for Syrian workers
National Integrated Inspection Management System implemented by Ministry of Labor
Expand opportunities for high-skilled foreign workers instructions enacted
Golden list incentive system assessed to comply with core labor standards
New amendments to the Labor law that allow for greater flexibility in organizing the relationship between employers and employees, finding a safe environment for women’s work, and organizing the labor market for greater impact introduced
Set of recommendation on regulatory reform is issued following a comprehensive review of the Labor Market Legislations with focus on foreign labor and a comparison with the region regulation and best practices in similar economies
In Progress
2024
JSCO-8 occupation classification for issuing work permits adopted for all non-Jordanian workers
Reform Area
6.3 PENSION SYSTEM MODERNIZATION
In Progress
2024
Voluntary Defined Contribution Schemes (by instruction/bylaw) introduced
Fair penalization of early retirement pensions and index pensions to inflation at any age (including early retirement) introduced
Gradually increase retirement age in line with life expectancy
Reform Area
6.4 ALIGNMENT OF SUPPLY OF SKILLS WITH LABOR MARKET DEMAND
Achieved
2018 – 2023
VTSD Law enacted
Market relevance of ICT graduates through short boot-camps for graduates improved
Green Economy and Climate skills council created
National Employment Program is designed and launched
Sector Skills Councils bylaw issued
National Strategy for Technical and Vocational training and Education (2023-2027) drafted and endorsed
In Progress
2024
Apprenticeship Bylaw enacted
National Skills Plan developed
VTC Law amended to institutionalize PPPs in training provision
Line Agencies
