Understanding workers’ rights in Jordan is essential for both employees and employers. The Jordanian Labour Law No. 8 of 1996 and its amendments protects workers by regulating employment contracts, wages, working hours, leave, workplace safety, and termination procedures. This guide summarizes key rights, obligations, and legal protections under the law.
1. Employment Contract – The Foundation of the Work Relationship
Every worker should have a written employment contract. Article 11 of the Jordanian Labour Law requires the contract to include:
- Employee and employer full names
- Job title and description
- Start date of employment
- Salary
- Working hours
- Contract duration (if fixed-term)
A written contract protects both parties and helps prevent future disputes.
2. Types of Employment Contracts in Jordan
Fixed-Term Contract
- Specifies a clear duration (e.g., 6 months, 1 year)
- Ends automatically when the period expires
- If both parties continue work without a new contract, it becomes an unlimited-term contract
Unlimited-Term Contract
- No specific end date
- Article 31 requires a 30-day written notice for termination
- Termination without a valid reason is considered unfair dismissal, allowing workers to claim compensation
3. Regular Working Hours & Overtime
Maximum Working Hours
- 8 hours per day
- 48 hours per week (Article 60)
Overtime
- Work beyond 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week counts as overtime
- Overtime compensation:
- 125% of regular hourly wage on normal days
- 150% on Fridays or official holidays (Article 61)
4. Annual Leave & Official Holidays
Annual Leave
- Less than 5 years of service: 14 days paid leave
- More than 5 years: 21 days paid leave (Article 70)
Sick Leave
- Paid according to approved medical reports
Official Holidays
- Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, New Year’s Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, and others
- Official holidays do not reduce annual leave
- Work on official holidays requires 150% of daily wage
5. Weekly Rest Day
- Employees are entitled to one paid weekly rest day, usually Friday
- If required to work, the employer must provide:
- 150% of the wage, or
- A substitute rest day
6. Wages
Payment Deadlines
- Employers must pay salaries on time (Article 43)
- Delay without reason violates workers’ rights
Salary Deductions
- Allowed only if:
- Permitted by law
- Worker agrees
- Part of legally allowed disciplinary measures
7. Termination of Employment & Unfair Dismissal
Notice Period
- Unlimited-term contracts require a 30-day written notice (Article 31)
- If no notice is given, employer must pay salary in lieu of notice
Unfair Dismissal
- Dismissing a worker without legal justification entitles them to:
- Financial compensation
- Payment for earned annual leave
- Any unpaid wages
- Certificate of experience
Fixed-Term Contract Termination
- Employer ending a fixed-term contract early without valid reason must compensate for the remaining period
8. End-of-Service Benefits
- Not enrolled in Social Security: typically one month’s salary per year of service (Article 37)
- Enrolled in Social Security: benefits paid through the Social Security Corporation
9. Worker Complaints & Legal Protection
Workers can file complaints in cases of:
- Wage delays
- Unfair dismissal
- Refusal to grant leave
- Contract violations
Authorities to contact:
- Ministry of Labour
- Labour court (Articles 37–40)
Workers should document all communications and consult a labor lawyer for guidance.
Have questions about your workplace rights? Schedule a consultation with our Jordanian labor law experts now