18 illegal workers arrested in downtown Amman

AMMAN — Eighteen migrant workers of different nationalities have been arrested by the Ministry of Labour after it conducted a joint inspection campaign in downtown Amman.

The campaign, implemented in cooperation with several concerned authorities, arrested the 18 workers on the basis of being “in violation of the Labour Law”, according to a Labour ministry statement.

Inspection Director of the Ministry Adnan Rababaa stressed the need for employers to “abide by the law and not to employ expatriate workers who do not obtain work permits or who violate the conditions of the permit”.

He added: “Joint campaigns are ongoing for various sectors, including restaurants, cafes and any other sectors that the ministry has forbidden business owners to employ expatriate workers.”

The importance of intensifying supervision and inspection of the labour market lies in “creating an organised and attractive work environment for Jordanian youth,” according to the inspection director.

The joint inspection campaigns between the Ministry of Labour and various departments of the Public Security Directorate “seek to regulate the local labour market and ensure that migrant workers do not work in sectors reserved for Jordanians only,” according to the statement.

“This is done to ensure social security, create jobs for Jordanians, and create a safe working environment for all,” it stated.

Migrant workers found in violation of the law will be deported, and the business owners who employ them will receive warnings and hefty penalties, depending on the violation, said Rababaa.