9,448 migrant workers deported in 2017 — Labour Ministry

AMMAN — A total of 9,448 migrant workers were deported in 2017 as part of the inspection campaign carried out by the Ministry of Labour and the Directorate of Public Security, Ministry Spokesperson Mohammad Khatib told The Jordan Times on Tuesday. 

Most of the foreign labourers deported from the country held expired work permits or agricultural work permits while working in sectors reserved for Jordanian nationals, according to Khatib. 

The official highlighted that the Jordan Valley area witnessed one of the highest numbers of deported workers, with the figure standing at around 700, noting that “the local youth in the area are currently demanding a higher number of employment opportunities, especially after the huge increase in the rate of foreign workers”. 

In addition, over 900 closure warnings were issued to institutions employing guest workers in an illegal manner, and 315 organisations were shut down, Khatib said. 

“The presence of expatriate workers violates the organised labour market, reduces the job opportunities for Jordanians and increases the problem of unemployment — especially in light of the regional conditions,” the official explained, adding that “it also leads to an imbalance between the rates of local and expatriate labour, creating an organisational problem that must be addressed immediately.”

“Inspections are the essence of the ministry’s work, as one of its most important responsibilities is to organise and control the Jordanian labour market,” he continued, stressing that “all decisions are taken in accordance with the legislation and aimed at providing employment opportunities for Jordanians in cooperation with the private sector and other concerned parties.” 

Adherence to the minimum wage, adjustment of irregular migrant workers, female employment, occupational safety and employment of persons with disabilities are the five priorities addressed during the inspections, according to the official. 

Ahmad Awad, director of the Jordan Labour Watch at the Phenix Centre, told The Jordan Times that “regulating the job market is the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour and we are with the these efforts initially,” pointing out that organisation “asked the government to keep the rights of migrant workers with other parties, providing them with opportunities to correct or reform their legal situation before deporting them, in addition to dealing with them in a humane approach”.

“The Ministry of Labour and the Public Security Directorate are required to give migrant workers who violate the law a specific time to correct their legal situation and to enable them to get their financial rights from others before they are deported,” Awad added, noting that “the organisation of the labour market shall protect the interests and rights of all Jordanian and migrant workers.”