Labor Law
Bereavement Leave in Jordanian Labor Law
This brief examines how bereavement (compassionate) leave is regulated in Jordan, comparing the public and private sectors and the practical consequences for employees. It also summarizes the proposed 2025 draft amendment to the Labor Law and its likely effects on private-sector workers’ entitlements.
Updated: 15 April 2025
Prepared and reviewed by: Ashraf Al-Khawaja
Legal Framework — Overview
Bereavement leave—also described as incidental or compassionate leave—serves to allow employees time to address the personal and administrative consequences of a relative’s death. In Jordan, the legal treatment differs between public-sector personnel rules and the Labor Law applicable to the private sector, producing unequal statutory protections.
Public Sector Position
The Public Sector Human Resources Management System No. 33 of 2024 addresses incidental leave by Secretary‑General decision, applying to death as follows: three days for first‑degree relatives, two days for second degree, and one day for third degree, with an annual cap of seven days. Although the system does not label it explicitly as ‘bereavement leave,’ it provides procedural verification and relies on civil‑law definitions of kinship to determine eligibility.
Current Private Sector Situation and Practical Procedures
The Jordanian Labor Law No. 8 of 1996 contains no explicit statutory entitlement to paid leave for bereavement; therefore, private‑sector practice depends on company policies, individual employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements, or employer discretion when no internal rule exists. The Law does set out certain mandatory paid leaves (annual, sick, maternity, and specific short leaves such as paternity/marriage/Hajj under their respective provisions), but the absence of a dedicated death‑related leave provision makes protection uneven across employers.
Proposed 2025 Amendment and Expected Effects
The draft 2025 amendment proposes obliging private‑sector employers to grant three days of paid leave upon the death of a first‑degree relative (father, mother, son, daughter). If enacted and published in the Official Gazette, this would establish a statutory floor for private‑sector protection but would still cover a narrower kinship scope than current public‑sector rules.
Acquired Rights and Practical Recommendations
The principle of acquired rights means employers cannot lawfully reduce previously granted, more favorable bereavement terms provided under internal bylaws, contracts, or collective agreements once a new statutory minimum takes effect. Practically, employers should review and, if needed, update leave policies in light of the draft, while employees should document any superior entitlements they currently enjoy. Both parties are advised to obtain guidance from a licensed lawyer when the final text is published to assess implementation.
Legal notice
Disclaimer: This summary is for general educational purposes and is based on the original article linked on the page. It does not constitute actionable legal advice. Verify the official texts and Official Gazette publications for amendments and effective dates, and consult a licensed Jordanian attorney for detailed legal assessment and guidance.
Sources and references
Verify the official text and latest amendments before relying on this material professionally.