Termination of employment is a sensitive legal matter governed by Jordanian Labour Law No. 8 of 1996 and its amendments.
This article provides a clear, professional, and legally accurate overview of termination and unfair dismissal in Jordan, explaining employee rights, employer obligations, notice requirements, compensation, and available legal remedies.
As experienced labour lawyers in Jordan, we regularly answer the most common questions related to Jordanian Labour Law and unfair dismissal, including:
- What is the compensation for unfair dismissal in Jordan?
- What are the legal cases of unfair dismissal under Jordanian law?
- How is unfair dismissal treated in fixed-term contracts?
- Where can I file a complaint against my employer in jordan?
- What court has jurisdiction over labour disputes in Jordan?
1. Termination of Employment Under Jordanian Labour Law
Employment contracts in Jordan may be terminated either lawfully or unlawfully, depending on the type of contract and the reason for termination.
Jordanian law distinguishes between:
- Fixed-term contracts, و
- Unlimited-term contracts
2. Termination of Unlimited-Term Employment Contracts
Notice Requirement
For unlimited-term contracts, either party may terminate the contract by providing written notice.
- The required notice period is 30 days
- The notice must be given in writing
- If notice is not given, the terminating party must pay compensation in lieu of notice
if an employee working under an unlimited-term contract is unfairly dismissed, the court may award compensation calculated as:
- Half a month’s wage for each year of service,
- With a minimum of two months’ wage
3. Termination of Fixed-Term Employment Contracts
A fixed-term contract ends automatically upon expiry of its stated duration.
However, if the employer terminates the contract before its expiry without a lawful reason, the employee is entitled to:
- Compensation equivalent to the remaining wages until the contract’s end
- Payment of all accrued entitlements
4. Lawful Grounds for Dismissal Without Notice
Jordanian Labour Law allows employers to dismiss an employee without notice or compensation only in limited and serious cases, such as:
- Gross misconduct
- Proven dishonesty or fraud
- Serious violation of workplace safety rules
- Repeated refusal to perform contractual duties
- Physical assault or severe insubordination
These grounds must be clearly proven, and the burden of proof lies with the employer.
5. What Is Unfair Dismissal in Jordan?
Unfair dismissal occurs when an employee is terminated:
- Without a valid legal reason
- Without proper notice
- In retaliation for exercising legal rights
- In violation of Labour Law provisions
Unfair dismissal is not defined by a single article but is well established through labour law principles and court practice.
6. Employee Rights in Cases of Unfair Dismissal
If an employee proves unfair dismissal, they may be entitled to:
- Compensation for damages
- Payment in lieu of notice
- Unpaid wages
- Compensation for unused annual leave
- End-of-service benefits (if applicable)
- A certificate of experience
The amount of compensation is determined by the labour court based on the circumstances of the case.
7. End-of-Service Entitlements
Employees who are not enrolled in Social Security are generally entitled to end-of-service compensation, often calculated as:
- Approximately one month’s wage for each year of service, subject to court discretion and contract terms
Employees enrolled in Social Security receive benefits through the Social Security Corporation instead.
8. Employer Obligations Upon Termination
Upon termination, the employer must:
- Pay all outstanding wages
- Settle accrued leave entitlements
- Issue a certificate of experience upon request
- Return any personal documents belonging to the employee
Failure to comply may expose the employer to legal claims.
9. Filing a Complaint or Legal Claim
Employees who believe they were unfairly dismissed may:
- File a complaint with the Ministry of Labour
- Submit a claim before the Labour Court
Jordanian law protects employees from retaliation for asserting their legal rights.
10. Practical Legal Advice
Employees should:
- Keep copies of employment contracts
- Preserve written termination notices
- Document unpaid wages or violations
- Seek legal advice promptly
Employers should:
- Follow lawful termination procedures
- Document reasons for dismissal
- Respect notice and compensation requirements
Conclusion
Understanding termination and unfair dismissal in Jordan is essential for both employees and employers.
Compliance with Jordanian Labour Law ensures fairness, reduces disputes, and protects the legal rights of all parties involved.
If you require legal clarification or assistance regarding termination or unfair dismissal, contact us now for free consultation
call us +962 0797725709
email us: info@sirtlaw.com