Jordan welcomes foreign talent across various sectors, and its immigration system is designed to facilitate the entry and employment of individuals who contribute to the economy. Navigating the process of obtaining the necessary visas and work permits is crucial for both foreign nationals and their prospective employers to ensure legal compliance and a smooth transition into the Jordanian workforce.
The system involves obtaining an appropriate entry visa to enter the country, followed by securing a work permit and residency permit once employment is confirmed. The specific requirements and procedures can vary depending on the applicant's nationality, the type of work, and the duration of stay. Understanding these steps is essential for successful international hiring in Jordan.
Common Visa Types for Foreign Workers
Foreign nationals intending to work in Jordan typically require an entry visa before arriving, unless they are citizens of countries with visa-waiver agreements. The most relevant visa types for prospective employees include:
- Tourist Visa: Allows entry for tourism purposes. It is generally not suitable for individuals intending to work, as it does not permit employment activities.
- Business Visa: Issued for short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations. Like the tourist visa, it does not authorize employment.
- Work/Entry Visa: This is the appropriate visa category for individuals entering Jordan with the intention of seeking or commencing employment. It serves as the initial entry clearance that allows the individual to then apply for the necessary work and residency permits upon arrival.
Upon arrival in Jordan with the appropriate entry visa, the foreign national must then proceed with the application for a work permit and residency permit through the Ministry of Labour and the relevant security directorate, respectively.
Work Permit Application Requirements and Procedures
Obtaining a work permit is mandatory for all foreign nationals wishing to be legally employed in Jordan. The process is primarily employer-driven, meaning the prospective employer plays a significant role in the application.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Employee: Must possess the necessary qualifications and experience for the position. Must have entered Jordan legally with an appropriate entry visa. Must pass required medical examinations.
- Employer: Must be a legally registered entity in Jordan. Must demonstrate a need to hire a foreign national, often by proving that no qualified Jordanian national is available for the position (though this can vary by sector and position). Must comply with labour laws and regulations.
Required Documentation:
The specific documents required can vary, but commonly include:
- Completed work permit application form.
- Copy of the employee's passport (valid for at least six months).
- Copy of the employee's entry visa and stamp.
- Copies of the employee's educational certificates and professional qualifications (often legalized).
- Medical examination report from an approved facility in Jordan.
- Employer's registration documents.
- Labour contract signed by both employer and employee.
- Photographs of the employee.
- Any other documents requested by the Ministry of Labour based on the specific case or profession.
Application Procedure:
- The employer initiates the work permit application process with the Ministry of Labour.
- Required documents are submitted.
- The application is reviewed by the Ministry of Labour. This may involve checking labour market needs and the employee's qualifications.
- If approved, the work permit is issued.
- Concurrently or subsequently, the employee must apply for a residency permit through the Public Security Directorate. This requires the approved work permit and other documents.
- Upon approval of both the work permit and residency permit, the employee is legally authorized to live and work in Jordan.
Processing Times and Fees:
Processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of the case, but typically range from 2 to 6 weeks for the work permit. Residency permit processing follows thereafter.
Fees for work permits are set by the Ministry of Labour and can vary based on the sector and the employee's nationality. These fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with the relevant authorities or an in-country expert. The employer is generally responsible for paying the work permit fees.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
Jordanian law provides limited pathways for foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency. This is typically a long-term process and is not automatically granted after a certain period of work permit renewals.
Potential routes may include:
- Long-Term Residency: Individuals who have legally resided in Jordan for a significant continuous period (often 15 years or more) and meet specific criteria related to good conduct, financial stability, and lack of criminal record may be eligible to apply for long-term residency.
- Investment: Significant investment in the Jordanian economy through specific programs or projects can potentially lead to eligibility for long-term residency or even citizenship, depending on the scale and nature of the investment.
- Marriage: Marriage to a Jordanian citizen can provide a pathway to residency and potentially citizenship over time, subject to specific legal requirements and procedures.
Permanent residency is not a standard outcome of holding work permits for a set number of years. It is a separate application process with stringent requirements.
Dependent Visa Options
Foreign workers holding valid work and residency permits in Jordan are generally permitted to sponsor their immediate family members (spouse and minor children) to join them.
Eligibility and Requirements:
- The primary work permit holder must have a valid work permit and residency permit.
- The primary permit holder must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support their dependents.
- Dependents must typically provide proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates - often legalized).
- Dependents must undergo required medical examinations in Jordan.
- Dependents must apply for their own residency permits sponsored by the primary permit holder. They are not automatically granted residency based on the primary permit holder's status.
Application Procedure:
The primary permit holder typically initiates the dependent residency application process through the Public Security Directorate. Required documents for both the sponsor and the dependents are submitted. The process is similar to applying for the primary residency permit but requires documentation proving the familial relationship. Dependents are not permitted to work in Jordan on a dependent residency permit; they would need to obtain their own work permit if they wish to seek employment.
Visa Compliance Obligations for Employers and Employees
Maintaining compliance with Jordanian immigration and labour laws is critical for both employers and foreign employees.
Employer Obligations:
- Ensure all foreign employees have valid work and residency permits.
- Initiate and manage the work permit application and renewal process.
- Adhere to the terms of the labour contract and Jordanian labour law regarding wages, working hours, and conditions.
- Notify the Ministry of Labour and relevant authorities of any changes in the employee's status (e.g., termination of employment).
- Cover the costs associated with obtaining the work permit.
- Facilitate the employee's departure from Jordan upon termination of employment, including covering repatriation costs if stipulated in the contract or required by law.
Employee Obligations:
- Hold a valid work permit and residency permit at all times while employed in Jordan.
- Comply with the terms of their labour contract.
- Adhere to Jordanian laws and regulations.
- Notify the authorities and employer of any changes in personal status that might affect their permit status.
- Depart Jordan upon the expiry or cancellation of their permits unless a renewal or change of status is approved.
Failure to comply with these obligations can result in significant penalties, including fines for both the employer and employee, deportation of the employee, and potential bans on future entry into Jordan. Regular monitoring of permit expiry dates and proactive renewal processes are essential.
