Jordanian Labour Law No. (8) of 1996 and its amendments regulate employee leave entitlements as fundamental rights that may not be waived or reduced. These provisions aim to protect employees’ health, dignity, and work-life balance.
This article provides a concise legal overview, written from the perspective of an experienced labour lawyer in Jordan, explaining the types of leave employees are entitled to, with reference to the relevant legal articles.
1. Annual Leave (Article 61)
Pursuant to Article (61) of the Jordanian Labour Law, an employee is entitled to paid annual leave as follows:
- 14 days per year if the employee’s service is less than five years
- 21 days per year if the employee has completed five consecutive years with the same employer
🔹 Annual leave is a mandatory right and may not be waived.
🔹 Cash compensation for unused leave is only payable upon termination of employment.
2. Sick Leave (Article 65)
Under Article (65), an employee who submits a valid medical report issued by an approved medical authority is entitled to sick leave during one year as follows:
- 14 days with full pay
- 14 days with half pay
If medically required, the sick leave period may be extended without pay.
3. Official Holidays and Public Occasions (Article 59)
According to Article (59), employees are entitled to paid leave on official holidays and public occasions declared by the Council of Ministers, including:
- Eid Al-Fitr
- Eid Al-Adha
- Labour Day
- Independence Day
- Hijri and Gregorian New Year
These holidays do not count toward the employee’s annual leave balance.
4. Work During Official Holidays and Weekly Rest Days (Article 60)
If work requirements necessitate employing an employee on an official holiday or weekly rest day, Article (60) provides that the employee is entitled to:
- Overtime pay of no less than 150% of the regular wage, or
- A substitute rest day, subject to agreement
5. Weekly Rest Day (Article 58)
Pursuant to Article (58), employees are entitled to:
- One paid weekly rest day,
- Typically Friday, unless the nature of work requires otherwise
6. Other Statutory Leaves
Jordanian Labour Law and related regulations provide for additional leave types, including:
- Maternity Leave (regulated under special protective provisions)
- Hajj Leave, granted once during the employee’s service
- Bereavement Leave in cases of death of close relatives
Each type of leave is governed by specific legal conditions and requirements.
7. Employer Violations and Legal Remedies
If an employer unlawfully denies an employee their leave entitlements or fails to pay the legally required compensation, the employee has the right to:
- File a complaint with the Jordanian Ministry of Labour, or
- File a legal case before the competent Magistrate Court having jurisdiction
Depriving employees of their statutory leave constitutes a violation of Jordanian Labour Law.
SEO-Optimized Legal FAQ Section
As experienced labour lawyers in Jordan, we frequently answer the most common questions regarding employee leave entitlements under Jordanian Labour Law, including:
- How many annual leave days is an employee entitled to in Jordan?
- Is sick leave paid under Jordanian Labour Law?
- Are public holidays deducted from annual leave?
- What compensation is due for work during holidays?
- Where can an employee file a complaint if leave is denied?
These questions are addressed based on legal texts and Jordanian court practice.
Conclusion
Understanding employee leave entitlements in Jordan is essential to safeguarding your labour rights and ensuring compliance with the law.
If you are looking for an experienced labour lawyer in Jordan, contact us today to help you enforce and recover your employment rights under Jordanian Labour Law.