Jordan has announced a temporary suspension on the recruitment of new foreign workers as part of a broader initiative to prioritize employment opportunities for Jordanian nationals and support local workforce development.
The measure, which took effect on 1 June 2026, represents a significant shift in the country's labour market policy and may impact employers that rely on foreign talent to meet their operational needs.
The Jordanian Ministry of Labour has suspended the issuance of new approvals for the recruitment of foreign workers across most sectors. The objective is to encourage the hiring of Jordanian citizens and reduce reliance on foreign labour where local talent is available.
Importantly, the suspension primarily affects the recruitment of new foreign workers. Existing foreign employees who already hold valid work permits are generally not affected by the policy and may continue working in accordance with their current permits and employment arrangements.
Yes. Certain sectors and categories of workers remain exempt from the suspension due to ongoing labour market requirements. These exemptions include:
Employers operating in these sectors may still be able to obtain approvals for foreign workers, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.
Organizations planning to expand their workforce in Jordan should carefully review their hiring strategies and assess whether local talent can fulfill upcoming staffing requirements.
For employers that require specialized foreign expertise, it is advisable to:
Companies utilizing Employer of Record (EOR) services should also verify whether any planned onboarding activities could be impacted by the suspension and whether alternative hiring approaches are available.
The suspension does not automatically affect foreign nationals who already possess valid work permits and are legally employed in Jordan. However, employers should continue to ensure that permits remain valid and are renewed in accordance with Jordanian immigration and labour regulations.
Where employment terminates, the standard work permit cancellation and immigration procedures remain applicable.
The suspension reflects Jordan's ongoing efforts to strengthen local employment opportunities while balancing the needs of businesses that require specialized international talent. Employers with operations in Jordan should closely monitor further announcements from the Ministry of Labour, as the scope and duration of the suspension may evolve over time.
As with any significant labour market policy change, proactive workforce planning and compliance reviews will be essential to minimize disruption and ensure continued operational stability.
If this article raised questions or highlighted areas you’d like to understand better, let’s talk.Our team can walk through the details, implications, and practical considerations for your business.
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