AMMAN — Jordan will suspend the recruitment of foreign workers across most sectors of the economy starting June 1, 2026, as the kingdom seeks to expand employment opportunities for its citizens following a decline in unemployment.
The decision was announced by the Ministry of Labor under directives issued by Labor Minister Khaled Al-Bakkar, according to the state-run Petra news agency.
The suspension excludes the garment and textile sector, factories operating in development zones, qualified industrial zones and free zones, as well as domestic workers.
The ministry said all approvals issued before the decision takes effect will remain valid.
Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Al-Zyoud said increasing job opportunities for Jordanians remains the ministry’s top priority, noting that foreign labor recruitment could still be permitted if labor market conditions require it.
The move comes as Jordan’s labor market shows signs of improvement. Data from the Department of Statistics showed the unemployment rate fell to 16% in the first quarter of 2026, down 0.5 percentage points from the same period a year earlier.
Among Jordanians aged 24 and above, unemployment stood at 18% between January and March. The data also highlighted a persistent gender gap, with unemployment at 14% among men compared with 29% among women.
Source: Saudi Gazette