Interior Ministry clarifies rumors concerning non-Jordanian land ownership

On Sunday, the Ministry of Interior reaffirmed that there are no changes to the criteria for land ownership by non-Jordanians, putting to rest speculations regarding an increase in property ownership rights for foreigners.

In a statement, the ministry’s spokesperson, Tariq Al-Majali, clarified that the instructions regarding the approval process for non-Jordanian real estate ownership applications, published in the official gazette, align with recent amendments to the Real Estate Ownership Law. These amendments were enacted on Sept. 17, 2023, following their approval by parliament and the completion of all constitutional procedures.

Majali explained that these amendments stipulate that any real estate acquisition by non-Jordanians requires prior consent from the Minister of Interior, in accordance with specific instructions established for this purpose.

He emphasized that the law explicitly prohibits non-Jordanians from owning property in sensitive areas, including borders and archaeological or historical sites. Additionally, the recent changes empower the Council of Ministers to restrict property ownership by non-Jordanians in other designated areas.

The spokesperson described the new instructions as a "procedural mechanism" intended to ensure the enforcement of the law, facilitating communication and approval processes between the Department of Lands and Survey and the Ministry of Interior. He stressed that these guidelines do not introduce any new policies or expand upon previous regulations regarding foreign property ownership in Jordan.