Immigration Law at Jordan
Jordan's immigration and nationality laws are primarily governed by the Nationality Law No. 6 of 1954, along with various regulations and policies that address residence, work permits, asylum, and citizenship. Here's an overview of the key aspects:
🛂 Residence and Work Permits
Work Permits: Foreign nationals wishing to work in Jordan typically require a work permit. In January 2023, the Ministry of Labor temporarily suspended issuing initial work permits to foreign nationals applying from outside Jordan, except for those in the industrial and agricultural sectors, domestic workers, and highly-skilled professionals. This measure was implemented due to persistently high unemployment rates among Jordanian nationals . (Jordan: Temporary Suspension of In-Country Work Permit Issuance | Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy LLP)
Residence Permits: To reside in Jordan, foreign nationals must obtain a residence permit. The specific requirements and duration vary depending on the purpose of stay, such as employment, study, or family reunification.
🧾 Citizenship and Naturalization
By Descent: Individuals born to a Jordanian father are automatically Jordanian nationals at birth, regardless of the place of birth. However, Jordanian nationality is not transferrable to children of Jordanian mothers unless the fathers are stateless or their nationalities are unknown . (Jordanian nationality law)
Naturalization: Foreigners may apply for Jordanian nationality after residing in the country for at least four years, demonstrating proficiency in the Arabic language, and fulfilling other criteria such as good conduct and lawful means of livelihood. The Council of Ministers has discretion in granting or rejecting applications . (Jordanian nationality law, Law No. 6 of 1954 on Nationality (last amended 1987) | Refworld)
Investment-Based Naturalization: Foreign investors can expedite the naturalization process by making substantial capital investments in Jordan, such as depositing funds in the Central Bank, purchasing government bonds, or investing in small and medium-sized enterprises. Specific investment thresholds and conditions apply . (Jordanian nationality law)
Dual Nationality: Jordan generally does not allow dual citizenship. Individuals acquiring foreign nationality must renounce their Jordanian citizenship unless they are from an Arab state, in which case they may retain both nationalities under certain conditions . (Dual Citizenship Application Process in Jordan – USCIS Guide, Law No. 6 of 1954 on Nationality (last amended 1987) | Refworld)
🏠 Family and Marriage
Foreign Spouses: Foreign women married to Jordanian men can apply for Jordanian nationality after five years of marriage. Arab women may apply after three years. Foreign men married to Jordanian women do not acquire Jordanian nationality by virtue of marriage . (Jordanian nationality law, Jordanian nationality law)
Children: Children of Jordanian mothers and foreign fathers may not automatically acquire Jordanian nationality unless the father is stateless or his nationality is unknown . (Jordanian nationality law)
🏛️ Asylum and Refugees
Refugee Status: Jordan hosts a significant number of refugees, including over 1.3 million Syrians. While Jordan is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, it has provided refuge to displaced individuals. Refugees in Jordan face challenges such as limited access to work opportunities and social services . (Ahead of EU meeting, Jordan says Syrian refugees being abandoned)
Asylum Applications: Individuals seeking asylum in Jordan must apply through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or other designated agencies. The process can be lengthy, and applicants often face uncertainty regarding their status and future prospects . (Waiting for Resettlement in the Age of Trump)
⚠️ Recent Developments
EU Migration Agreements: Jordan is nearing completion of substantial financial agreements with the European Union to enhance cooperation in reducing migration to Europe. These partnerships aim to manage migration flows but have raised concerns regarding human rights conditions . (EU nears migration deals with Jordan and Morocco)
Increased Asylum Applications: There has been a significant rise in asylum applications from Jordanian nationals in countries like Ireland, facilitated by visa schemes such as the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This trend highlights the challenges faced by individuals seeking refuge and the complexities of international asylum processes . (Jordanian asylum seekers on rise through UK visa loophole)
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