Labor Law
Unpaid Leave under Jordanian Labor Law
A concise overview of unpaid-leave provisions applicable to Jordan’s private-sector workforce, highlighting statutory cases and scope limits. The summary outlines procedural requirements and practical safeguards employers and employees should observe when arranging unpaid leave.
Updated: 26 March 2026
Prepared and reviewed by: Ashraf Al-Khawaja
Distinction between Public and Private Sector Rules
Rules on unpaid leave differ between public servants and private-sector employees. Civil service regulations set out specific unpaid-leave categories with detailed conditions, whereas the Labor Law governs the private sector and enumerates only certain permitted cases, leaving other matters to mutual agreement. Practically, private employees do not automatically benefit from transfer, secondment or other arrangements commonly available under public-sector rules.
Statutory Cases Permitted in the Private Sector
The Labor Law specifies certain unpaid-leave types for the private sector, including study leave subject to prior service, childcare maternity leave in establishments meeting a size threshold, and spouse-accompaniment leave when relocating for work, each with specific service and duration requirements. These statutory provisions set legal boundaries, whereas additional leave scenarios may be made by written agreement between employer and employee.
Procedural Conditions and Practical Limits
A written agreement is generally required to specify the leave period, start and end dates, and the parties’ rights and obligations, while the law does not set a general maximum duration for unpaid leave except where expressly provided. In practice, any extension or early termination should be documented, and paid-leave entitlements that cannot be substituted must be respected unless the employee consents in writing.
Practical Recommendations for Employers and Employees
Adopting a written internal policy that sets out unpaid-leave rules, while allowing flexibility for personal circumstances and rigorous documentation, helps prevent disputes. It is advisable to consult legal counsel for complex cases or to align agreements with applicable legislation, and to verify establishment-specific conditions (such as minimum workforce thresholds) before implementing any leave decision.
Legal notice
Notice: This summary is for general educational purposes and is based on a public source linked on the page. It does not replace the applicable legal texts or advice of a licensed attorney; verify laws, amendments and official dates and consult a qualified lawyer before taking any action.
Sources and references
Verify the official text and latest amendments before relying on this material professionally.