Work permits and visas in Jordan

Jordan's growing economy attracts many foreign workers seeking employment opportunities. However, understanding the country's visa and work permit regulations is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure legal compliance and a smooth transition. Jordan has specific requirements that must be met before a foreign national can legally work within its borders. These regulations are designed to protect the local workforce while also allowing specialized skills from abroad to contribute to the nation's development.

Navigating Jordanian immigration law can be complex, involving several government agencies and detailed procedures. Employers have a significant role in sponsoring and facilitating the work permit and visa process for their foreign employees. Non-compliance can result in penalties, including fines and deportation, for both the company and the individual. The following sections detail the types of visas available, the work permit application process, pathways to residency, dependent visa options, and compliance obligations.

Common Visa Types for Foreign Workers

Several visa types are available for foreign nationals seeking to work in Jordan, each tailored to specific employment circumstances. These include:

• Work Visa: This is the most common visa for individuals seeking employment in Jordan. It requires sponsorship from a Jordanian employer and is tied to a specific job.
• Business Visa: Suitable for short-term business activities such as attending conferences, meetings, or conducting market research. It does not permit direct employment.
• Investment Visa: Granted to foreign investors who meet specific investment thresholds and contribute to the Jordanian economy. It often allows for self-sponsorship and can include work authorization.

Here's a summary of typical visa options:

Visa Type	Purpose	Duration	Eligibility
Work Visa	Employment with a Jordanian company	1-2 years, renewable	Job offer, employer sponsorship, meeting qualifications for the role
Business Visa	Short-term business activities	Up to 3 months	Invitation letter from a Jordanian company, proof of business purpose
Investment Visa	Investing in the Jordanian economy	Varies	Meeting investment criteria, contribution to the economy

Work Permit Application Requirements and Procedures

Obtaining a work permit in Jordan involves a multi-step process that requires coordination between the employer and the prospective employee.

1. Job Offer and Initial Approval: The process begins with a formal job offer from a Jordanian company. The employer must first obtain initial approval from the Ministry of Labor (MOL) to hire a foreign national, demonstrating that there are no qualified Jordanian candidates available for the position.

2. Documentation: After initial approval, the following documents are typically required:

   • Passport copies and personal photographs
   • Educational certificates and professional qualifications, attested by relevant authorities
   • Experience letters from previous employers
   • Medical examination certificate from an approved clinic in Jordan
   • No criminal record certificate from the applicant's home country
   • The employer's commercial registration and other relevant company documents

3. Application Submission: The employer submits the application to the MOL. The application is reviewed to ensure all requirements are met and that the foreign worker's skills are needed in Jordan.

4. Work Permit Issuance: If the application is approved, the MOL issues the work permit.

5. Visa Application: Upon receiving the work permit, the employee can apply for a work visa at the Jordanian embassy or consulate in their home country.

6. Residency Permit: After entering Jordan, the employee must obtain a residency permit from the Ministry of Interior.

Here's a table outlining the typical steps and processing times:

Step	Responsible Party	Estimated Time
Job Offer & MOL Approval	Employer	2-4 weeks
Document Preparation	Employee	1-2 weeks
Application Submission	Employer	1 week
Work Permit Issuance	MOL	2-4 weeks
Visa Application	Employee	1-2 weeks
Residency Permit	Employee	1 week

Fees associated with work permits and visas can vary depending on the applicant's nationality, the type of job, and the duration of the permit. The employer typically covers these fees.

Pathways to Permanent Residency

While Jordan does not offer straightforward permanent residency based solely on employment, there are specific pathways that foreign nationals can explore:

• Investment: Significant investments in Jordan can lead to residency permits, which can be renewed and may eventually lead to permanent residency. The investment threshold varies depending on the sector.
• Marriage: Marriage to a Jordanian citizen can provide a pathway to residency, subject to certain conditions and a waiting period.
• Long-Term Employment: While not a guarantee, long-term employment with a strong record of compliance and contributions to the Jordanian economy may be considered favorably when applying for extended residency permits, which could potentially lead to permanent residency.

Dependent Visa Options

Foreign workers with valid work visas can typically sponsor visas for their dependents, including spouses and children under a certain age (usually 18). Requirements include:

• Proof of marriage (marriage certificate)
• Birth certificates for children
• Proof of financial stability to support dependents
• Medical examination certificates for all dependents

Dependent visas are usually tied to the validity of the primary work visa.

Visa Compliance Obligations for Employers and Employees

Both employers and employees have ongoing obligations to maintain visa compliance.

Employers:

• Ensure that all foreign employees have valid work permits and visas.
• Monitor the expiration dates of permits and visas and initiate timely renewals.
• Comply with Jordanian labor laws, including regulations related to wages, working hours, and termination.
• Provide accurate information to the MOL and other government agencies.
• Inform the MOL of any changes in the employee's job title, responsibilities, or employment status.

Employees:

• Comply with the terms and conditions of their work permits and visas.
• Adhere to Jordanian laws and regulations.
• Inform their employer of any changes in their personal circumstances, such as a change of address or marital status.
• Ensure that their passports and visas remain valid.
• Not engage in any activities outside the scope of their work permit.

Non-compliance can lead to penalties such as fines, deportation, and restrictions on future employment in Jordan. Employers should establish robust compliance programs to ensure that all foreign workers are legally authorized to work in Jordan.