Best Work Permit Lawyers in Aqaba

About Work Permit Law in Aqaba, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

If you are a non-Jordanian and want to work in Aqaba you generally need a valid work permit and a residence permit that allows employment. Aqaba is administered in part by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority - ASEZA - which applies a set of rules and incentives that can differ in practice from mainland Jordan. The work permit process involves the employer, the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Interior - Civil Status and Passport authorities - and in the ASEZA zone some approvals are coordinated by ASEZA authorities.

Work permits are typically employer-sponsored and tied to a specific job and employer. Most work permits and residence permits are issued for a fixed term and must be renewed. Working without authorization can lead to fines, detention and deportation for the foreign national and penalties for the employer.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Work permit matters can involve administrative rules, cross-agency coordination and time-sensitive deadlines. A lawyer can help in many common situations including obtaining a first permit, renewing or transferring a permit, resolving permit refusals, and contesting deportation or detention decisions.

You may also need legal assistance if you face an employment dispute such as unpaid wages, unlawful termination, denial of end-of-service benefits, discrimination, or unsafe working conditions. Employers may need lawyers for compliance with Jordanian labor obligations, social security registration, quota rules for hiring nationals and for structuring investments that affect permit eligibility in the ASEZA zone.

Other situations calling for a lawyer include appeals or administrative objections, criminal allegations that affect immigration status, complex cross-border employment arrangements, secondments and intra-company transfers, and problems with recruitment agents or domestic worker contracts.

Local Laws Overview

National framework - Jordanian Labor Law sets out employee rights and employer duties on contracts, working hours, leave entitlements, end-of-service payments, occupational safety and termination. The Ministry of Labor enforces labor rules and issues work permits for most non-Jordanian workers.

ASEZA framework - The Aqaba Special Economic Zone operates under ASEZA regulations which provide incentives for investment and a streamlined administrative environment. ASEZA also coordinates labor and residency approvals for many businesses operating inside the zone. Some procedures and incentives - including special investor categories and duties for employers - may differ from mainland governorates.

Residency and immigration - The Ministry of Interior and the Civil Status and Passport Department handle residence permits and entry stamps. A work permit is usually a prerequisite for a work-related residence permit. Security and criminal background checks are common as part of the approval process.

Recruitment and domestic workers - Recruitment of foreign workers often goes through licensed recruitment companies and must comply with regulations. Domestic workers and certain categories of workers may be subject to separate rules and special visa-processing steps.

Employer obligations - Employers are responsible for applying for permits, registering employees with social security and paying statutory contributions, ensuring payroll and workplace conditions meet legal standards, and notifying authorities about terminations, transfers or absences.

Penalties and enforcement - Employing unauthorized workers, failing to obtain or renew permits, or violating labor standards can result in fines, closure orders, criminal charges and deportation. Administrative appeals are available but typically time-limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a work permit to be employed in Aqaba?

Yes. Most non-Jordanian nationals need an approved work permit and a corresponding residence permit that allows employment. Rules may vary for certain short-term activities, investors or diplomatic staff, so check the category that applies to you.

Who applies for the work permit - the employee or the employer?

The employer normally applies for the work permit on behalf of the foreign employee. The employer is typically responsible for preparing and submitting the required documents and for coordinating with immigration and labor authorities.

What documents are usually required to obtain a work permit?

Typical documents include a copy of the employee passport, passport photos, a signed employment contract, educational or professional certificates where required, a medical certificate, the employer’s registration papers, and any ASEZA approvals if the job is inside the special economic zone. Specific lists can vary by category.

How long does it take to get a work permit?

Processing times vary depending on the type of permit, completeness of the application, and whether the application is for ASEZA or mainland Jordan. It can take from a few weeks to several months in complex cases. Delays can occur for security checks, missing documents or quota issues.

Can I change employers while on a work permit?

Changing employers requires formal transfer of the work permit. You must follow the legal transfer process and obtain approvals from the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Interior or ASEZA if applicable. Working for a new employer before the transfer is approved can put you at risk of penalties or deportation.

What happens if my work permit application is denied?

If an application is denied you will receive an administrative decision explaining the grounds. There are usually administrative appeal options and sometimes opportunities to reapply after correcting deficiencies. A lawyer can help prepare an appeal or a new application and advise on timelines.

How do work permits interact with residence permits?

A work permit is generally required to obtain a residence permit that allows employment. Residency is usually issued for the duration of the work permit and must be renewed in parallel. Loss of the work permit normally affects residency status as well.

Are there quotas or nationalization requirements I should know about?

Authorities encourage the employment of Jordanian nationals and sector-specific nationalization or quota policies may apply. Employers may need to demonstrate recruitment efforts for local candidates or meet specified ratios before hiring foreign workers in certain roles.

What rights do foreign workers have under Jordanian law?

Foreign workers are covered by many provisions of the Labor Law, including rights to a written contract, payment of wages, limits on working hours, annual leave, sick leave and end-of-service benefits, unless a specific exclusion applies by law or regulation. Social security and other entitlements depend on registration and contribution rules.

How can an employer lawfully terminate a foreign employee and what happens to the permit?

Termination must comply with the Labor Law and the employment contract. Employers are required to notify authorities about termination and to settle outstanding payments and benefits. After termination the employer usually cancels the work permit which may require the foreign worker to depart or to seek a new permit with a different sponsor within a legal timeframe.

Additional Resources

Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority - ASEZA - for rules and approvals applicable inside the Aqaba zone and for investor categories with special procedures.

Ministry of Labor - for work permit regulations, application procedures and labor inspections.

Ministry of Interior - Civil Status and Passport authorities - for residence permits, entry and exit stamps and immigration matters.

Social Security Corporation - for employer and employee social security registration and contribution requirements.

Labor Directorate and Labor Courts in Aqaba - for filing labor complaints, disputes and claims for unpaid wages or wrongful termination.

Jordanian Bar Association - to identify licensed lawyers who specialize in labor and immigration matters.

Embassy or consulate of your home country in Jordan - for consular assistance and guidance on local legal rights.

International organizations and NGOs working on labor rights in Jordan - for guidance and support, especially in cases involving vulnerable workers.

Next Steps

Gather your documents - passport, contract, qualifications, medical certificate and any employer correspondence. Make clear copies and keep originals accessible.

Confirm the applicable jurisdiction - determine whether your employment is inside ASEZA or under mainland Jordan rules because procedures and points of contact can differ.

Contact the employer - ask whether they will submit or have submitted the permit application and request a timeline and copy of the submitted application or receipt.

Seek legal advice if you face difficulty - consult a lawyer experienced in Jordanian labor and immigration law and experienced with ASEZA procedures if you are in the Aqaba zone. Ask about prior cases, fees, expected timeline and a written engagement letter.

Preserve evidence - keep contracts, pay slips, communications, termination notices and any documentation you receive from authorities. These records are important for appeals or labor claims.

Act quickly on deadlines - appeals and administrative objections often have short time limits. A lawyer can calculate deadlines and prepare necessary submissions.

Plan for alternatives - if a permit is refused or cancelled, discuss options with your lawyer including administrative appeal, reapplication, transfer to another employer, voluntary departure arrangements or potential regularization routes.

Choose a lawyer - look for local presence in Aqaba or Amman, clear communication in a language you understand, transparent fee arrangements and specific experience with work permit cases and labor disputes.