Migrant workers form an essential part of Jordan’s labour market, and their rights are clearly regulated under Jordanian Labour Law No. 8 of 1996 and its amendments, as well as the Ministry of Labour’s guidelines for foreign workers.
This article provides a lawyer-style, concise, and reliable legal overview of the rights of migrant workers in Jordan, including work permits, wages, working conditions, residency, termination rules, and employer obligations.
1. Rights of Migrant Workers in Jordan Under Labour Law
A migrant worker in Jordan is any non-Jordanian individual employed under a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour.
Foreign employees enjoy similar protections to Jordanian workers, except where special regulations apply.
2. Work Permit Requirements
✔ Work Permit as a Legal Condition
According to Labour Law, no foreign worker may be employed without a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour.
The permit:
- Is valid for one year
- Must be renewed annually
- Must match the worker’s employer and job title
- Is tied to the employer unless legally transferred
Employers hiring foreign workers without permits face financial penalties, and the worker may face legal consequences, including possible deportation.
3. Employment Contracts for Migrant Workers
Migrant workers must be employed under a clear and legally compliant employment contract, which should specify:
- Job title and duties
- Salary and payment terms
- Duration of employment
- Working hours
- Leave entitlements
The contract must align with the work permit information and must not violate any provision of Labour Law.
4. Working Hours and Overtime Compensation
Foreign workers are protected by the same rules governing working hours:
✔ Standard Working Hours
- 8 hours per day
- 48 hours per week
✔ Overtime
When work exceeds the standard limit:
- 125% of the worker’s hourly rate for normal overtime
- 150% for work during official holidays or weekly rest days (typically Friday)
No employer may force a migrant worker to work overtime without compensation.
5. Wages and Financial Rights
Migrant workers are entitled to fair and timely payment of wages:
✔ Wage Payment
Employers must pay wages on time and in accordance with the agreement in the employment contract.
✔ Unlawful Deductions
Salary deductions are prohibited unless:
- Allowed by law
- Approved by the worker
- Applied as a lawful disciplinary measure
Non-payment or delayed payment is a violation that allows the worker to file a complaint.
6. Leave Entitlements
Migrant workers receive the same leave benefits as Jordanian employees:
✔ Annual Leave
- 14 days per year
- 21 days after 5 consecutive years with the same employer
✔ Official Holidays
They are entitled to paid leave on national and religious holidays declared by the government.
✔ Weekly Rest
Friday is the weekly rest day, with full pay.
Work on Friday requires 150% compensation or a substitute rest day.
7. Residency and Legal Status
In addition to the work permit, foreign workers must maintain a valid residency permit.
If either the work permit or residency expires, the worker’s stay becomes unlawful.
This may result in:
- Fines
- Loss of employment
- Deportation
Employers are required to comply with residency rules for all non-Jordanian workers.
8. Transfer of Employment (Changing Employers)
The foreign worker is generally tied to the employer stated on their work permit. Transfer to another employer is permitted only if:
- The current employer provides written approval, or
- The employment contract ends, or
- The worker proves a valid legal reason such as non-payment of wages or exploitation
Unauthorized transfer or working for another employer is a violation of Labour Law.
9. Termination and End of Service
✔ Termination
If the employment is ended unlawfully, migrant workers have the right to:
- Financial compensation
- Full outstanding wages
- Payment for unused annual leave
- A certificate of experience
✔ End-of-Service Benefits
If not enrolled in Social Security, the worker is eligible for an end-of-service benefit, often calculated as one month’s wage for each year of service, depending on the contract and case law.
10. Filing Complaints and Seeking Legal Assistance
Migrant workers have the right to submit complaints regarding:
- Non-payment of wages
- Withheld passports
- Overtime violations
- Harsh or unfair treatment
- Illegal deduction of wages
- Working without a contract or permit
Complaints may be filed with:
- The Ministry of Labour
- Labour Inspection Departments
- Labour Courts
Workers are legally protected against retaliation for filing complaints.