Jordan halts expatriate hiring to boost local employment

Jordan has suspended the recruitment of foreign workers in most economic sectors from June 1, to expand employment opportunities for its citizens.

The decision was issued by labour minister Khaled Al-Bakkar, the state-run Jordan News Agency (Petra) said in a statement.

The garment and textile industry, manufacturers in the apparel sector operating in development zones, qualified industrial zones and free zones, and domestic workers have been exempted.

Recruitment approvals issued before the suspension took effect will remain valid, the statement said.

“The ministry’s priority is to increase employment opportunities for Jordanians,” said Labour Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Al-Zyoud, adding that foreign worker recruitment will be allowed if market conditions require it.

The unemployment rate in Jordan fell to 16 percent in the first quarter of 2026, down 0.5 percentage points year on year, the Jordan Times reported, citing data from the Department of Statistics.

Unemployment among Jordanians aged 24 and above reached 18 percent between January and March, including 14 percent for males and 29 percent for females.

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