Non-citizen children of Jordanian mothers gain work rights

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Officials have waived work permit requirements for non-citizen children of Jordanian mothers.

What does the change mean? Those holding cards identifying them as children of Jordanian mothers are no longer required to obtain work authorization in Jordan.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing. The change took effect earlier this year.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
• Who is affected: Non-citizen children of Jordanian mothers working in Jordan.
• Business impact: Employers can now hire non-citizen children of Jordanian mothers without needing to obtain work authorization.

Background: In Jordan, citizenship does not pass through the mother. This means that children of a non-Jordanian father are not citizens even if their mother is a Jordanian citizen. Up until now, these children were required to obtain work permits to work on local contracts. This changed earlier this year, however, with the publication of an amendment to the Jordanian labor regulations in May.

Analysis & Comments: Non-citizen children of Jordanian mothers can now work in Jordan without obtaining work authorization. They will not be required to cancel or deregister previously issued work permits. Employers are encouraged to keep copies of ID cards identifying workers as children of Jordanian mothers on file as evidence of compliance with labor regulations.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.