Labor Law
Jordanian Labor Law (up to 2026 amendments)
A concise overview of Jordan Law No. 8 of 1996 as amended through 2026, covering core definitions, employment contracts, working time and pay, occupational safety, rules on foreign and juvenile workers, and trade union and collective dispute mechanisms. The summary highlights practical implications, administrative procedures and possible judicial remedies under the law.
Updated: 24 March 2026
Prepared and reviewed by: Ashraf Al-Khawaja
Scope of Application and Key Definitions
The statute sets operative definitions (worker, employer, employment contract, temporary/seasonal work, juvenile worker, establishment, etc.) and establishes general coverage while excluding public servants and municipal employees. The Minister is empowered to issue sectoral regulations (for agriculture, household workers, etc.) that govern contract terms and inspection rules; practitioners should consult those implementing regulations to determine precise coverage and exceptions.
Employment Contracts, Probation, Termination and Procedures
Contracts may be written or verbal; fixed‑term agreements expire at term end unless continued (which converts them to open‑ended contracts). Probation is capped at three months. The law prescribes a one‑month notice for terminating open‑ended contracts and affords remedies against arbitrary dismissal, including a judicial claim (the text provides a 60‑day filing period for such suits). It enumerates grounds for immediate dismissal and categories protected from dismissal (e.g. certain stages of pregnancy, military service, specified leaves). Compliance with notice, documentary and time‑limit requirements is essential before termination or compensation claims are pursued.
Working Time, Pay and Procedural Safeguards
The law sets maximum working hours (eight hours per day or 48 hours per week) with permissible distribution and provides for overtime premium rates (basic overtime at 125%; additional premiums for working on rest days/holidays are prescribed). Wages must be paid within short statutory timeframes (the text prescribes payment within seven days) and deductions are allowed only for limited, defined purposes (advances, social security, court orders, etc.). Minimum wage determinations are made by a tripartite authority, so practitioners should review applicable wage decisions and implementing regulations when assessing pay claims.
Occupational Health and Safety; Work Injury Compensation
Employers must implement safety measures, provide personal protective equipment and first‑aid facilities, and notify authorities of workplace accidents within 48 hours. The statute prescribes detailed treatment of occupational injuries and diseases: daily allowances during treatment, schedules for partial and permanent disability awards, and a death compensation formula with statutory minimum and maximum caps (as provided in the law). Claims for compensation are subject to time limits (typically two years) and are assessed by an appointed commissioner with prescribed payment timeframes; certain conduct can forfeit benefits. Violations attract administrative and criminal sanctions and may result in temporary closure of the workplace.
Employment of Foreigners and Minors; Union Rights and Collective Mechanisms
Hiring non‑Jordanians requires a ministerial work permit under specified conditions; the law establishes fees, exemptions, penalties, deportation procedures and re‑entry restrictions, with certain exceptions (e.g. children of Jordanian mothers). For juveniles, minimum working ages, forbidden hours and documentation requirements are set. Collective labour rights are regulated: trade union formation, registration, collective bargaining agreements, and a tripartite committee for wage setting and consultation. The law provides for registered collective agreements, expedited dispute resolution through wage authorities and appeal routes and time limits for administrative and judicial review.
Legal notice
Notice: This content is for general educational purposes and does not substitute for tailored legal advice. The original statutory text is linked on the firm’s page; verify the authoritative wording, amendments and applicable deadlines in the official source and consult a licensed Jordanian lawyer before taking any action.
Sources and references
Verify the official text and latest amendments before relying on this material professionally.