Recruitment of non-Jordanian domestic workers from the list of approved countries, with the exception of Ghana and Uganda, has been approved as of October 4, announced the Minister of Labour, Nidal Al-Batayneh, on Thursday.

The decision came after making all the necessary arrangements in coordination with the ministries of Interior and Health.

The Ministry imposed five conditions that domestic work agencies and employers must adhere to.

October 4 is the official approved date as of which financial receipts can be issued for domestic workers' work permits, which are valid for a period of three months, based on the decision of the Cabinet issued on August 25, 2020.

Citizens who have already paid the recruitment fees to hire workers from Ghana can move forward with the recruitment process.

All health protocols approved by the Ministry of Health must be implemented, which include conducting PCR tests at the country of origin and upon entering the Kingdom.

Workers must remain at the agency until the results come out, after which work and residence permits can be issued.

Workers who test positive for coronavirus must remain at the agency, which must cover all their expenses —employers are not responsible for covering any expenses in such cases.

Domestic work agencies cannot exceed the maximum fees to recruit workers, which are as follows:

• Bangladesh: JD2,150
• Ethiopia:       JD2,100 
• Uganda:        JD2,000 
• Nepal:           JD2,600 
• Philippines:  JD3,000 

For those who are exempt from permit fees the maximum fees are as follows:

• Bangladesh: JD1,550 
• Ethiopia:       JD1,500 
• Uganda:        JD1,400 
• Nepal:           JD2,000 
• Philippines:  JD2,400

Employers are required to cover the cost of one PCR test to be conducted in Jordan, according to the official decision.

Agencies that fail to comply with these guidelines will face legal consequences, said Batayneh.

He called on citizens to report any violations to the Directorate of Domestic Workers at the Ministry by calling the one of the numbers below.

06-5652397 or 06-2221020