Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements is a critical aspect of compliance and employee satisfaction when operating in Jordan. The country's labor law outlines specific requirements for various types of leave, ensuring employees receive adequate time off for rest, illness, family matters, and national observances. Understanding these regulations is essential for employers to maintain legal compliance and foster a positive working environment.
Navigating the nuances of Jordanian leave policies, including annual leave accrual, public holiday schedules, sick leave provisions, and parental leave rights, requires careful attention to detail. Employers must ensure their internal policies align with the statutory minimums and procedures defined by the Ministry of Labour to avoid potential issues and support their workforce effectively.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Jordan are entitled to paid annual leave based on their length of service. The minimum entitlement increases after a certain period of employment.
- Employees who have served for less than five consecutive years are entitled to a minimum of 14 days of paid annual leave per year.
- Employees who have served for five consecutive years or more are entitled to a minimum of 21 days of paid annual leave per year.
This leave accrues throughout the year. The timing of annual leave is typically determined by agreement between the employer and employee, taking into account the employer's operational needs and the employee's request. Employers cannot compel an employee to take annual leave during their notice period.
Public Holidays
Jordan observes several public holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to paid time off on these days. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to receive their regular wage plus an additional amount, often calculated at 150% of their normal daily wage, or receive a compensatory day off.
While the exact dates for some holidays (like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) depend on the lunar calendar, the generally observed public holidays in Jordan include:
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- Labour Day (May 1)
- Independence Day (May 25)
- Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan - dates vary)
- Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice - dates vary)
- Islamic New Year (dates vary)
- Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (dates vary)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Specific dates for lunar-based holidays in 2025 will be officially announced closer to the time.
Sick Leave
Employees in Jordan are entitled to paid sick leave upon presenting a medical report from an approved physician. The duration of paid sick leave is capped annually.
- Employees are entitled to 14 days of paid sick leave per year based on a medical report from an approved physician.
- This can be extended for an additional 14 days at 85% of the employee's wage, based on a medical report from a medical committee approved by the employer.
- Further extensions may be granted without pay if the employee requires more time off due to illness.
To qualify for sick leave pay, the employee must notify the employer of their illness within 24 hours of absence, unless prevented by circumstances beyond their control.
Parental Leave
Jordanian labor law provides specific entitlements for maternity leave. Paternity and adoption leave are not explicitly defined statutory entitlements under the main labor law but may be covered by internal company policies or collective agreements.
- Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to 10 weeks (70 days) of paid maternity leave. This leave can be taken before and after childbirth, provided that the period taken after childbirth is not less than six weeks. The employee must have completed at least 200 days of continuous service with the same employer to be eligible for paid maternity leave. During maternity leave, the employee receives full pay. After returning from maternity leave, a female employee is entitled to a paid nursing break of one hour per day for a period of one year, in addition to her regular rest periods.
Other Leave Types
Jordanian labor law also recognizes other types of leave under specific circumstances:
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are entitled to three days of paid leave upon the death of a first-degree relative (spouse, parents, children, siblings).
- Study Leave: While not a statutory entitlement for all employees, employers may grant unpaid or partially paid leave for employees pursuing further education, often based on company policy or agreement.
- Hajj Leave: Muslim employees may be granted unpaid leave to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, typically for a period not exceeding two weeks, provided they have not taken this leave before. This is often subject to company policy and length of service.
- Leave for Official Duties: Employees may be granted leave to perform official duties, such as jury duty or military service, as required by law. The terms of such leave (paid or unpaid) depend on the specific circumstances and relevant regulations.
