Day: April 29, 2026

Amman: The Social Security Corporation (SSC) recently revealed that the number of active subscribers under its social protection system now exceeds 1.655 million insured individuals. This figure includes 1.4 million Jordanians and approximately 255,000 individuals of other nationalities.

According to Jordan News Agency, the SSC issued a statement expressing appreciation and pride for all workers in the Kingdom in celebration of International Workers’ Day, observed annually on May 1. The corporation emphasized the importance of providing all workers with social protection and a secure working environment.

The SSC highlighted the income security offered to eligible working individuals and their families, covering old-age, disability, death, unemployment, or maternity benefits, as well as protection against work-related injuries. It was noted that the cumulative number of retirees has reached approximately 404,000, including over 274,000 active pensioners, with active female retirees numbering 66,455.

Additionally, the SSC reported that around 175,000 eligible heirs are entitled to receive active pension shares, bringing the total number of active retirees and beneficiaries to over 449,000. The corporation urged all operating establishments to ensure comprehensive coverage for their employees under the provisions of the Social Security Law throughout their employment periods and actual wages, irrespective of employee count, to guarantee pension disbursement for all workers.

The SSC also emphasized the significance of maternity insurance in bolstering the economic participation of working women in the private sector. In this regard, maternity allowances have been disbursed to over 129,000 cases, benefiting 88,258 insured women.

Furthermore, the corporation discussed the expansion of its protection programs under the “Care” initiative, which supports childcare through nurseries and home care services, benefiting 29,500 insured women.

Amman: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi discussed on Wednesday with Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, relations and cooperation within regional, international organisations and regional developments.

According to Jordan News Agency, during a phone call with his Somali counterpart, Safadi reaffirmed Jordan’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia and its backing of the country’s legitimate institutions. He reiterated the Kingdom’s rejection of the mutual recognition declaration between Israel and the Somaliland region, stressing Jordan’s commitment to Somalia’s stability and the well-being of its people.

The two ministers discussed the implications of regional escalation and ongoing efforts to restore security and stability.

Amman: Jordan’s overall unemployment rate for the population, including Jordanians and non-Jordanians, edged down by 0.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared with the third quarter, reaching 16.1%, the Department of Statistics (DoS) said Wednesday.

According to Jordan News Agency, the unemployment rate among males stood at 13.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025, up 0.2% from 13.6% in the third quarter. Meanwhile, female unemployment fell by 2 percentage points from the third quarter of the same year to 25.0%.

The department highlighted a significant increase in social security coverage, with the number of workers insured by the Social Security Corporation rising from 366,000 in 2000 to about 1,599,914 in 2024.

The average monthly wage saw notable growth, increasing from JD 60 in the mid-1970s to JD 211 in the mid-1990s, and reaching JD 551 in 2023 across both public and private sectors. The average wage stood at JD 563 for males and JD 522 for females.

In the public sector, the average monthly wage reached JD 667 in 2023, with male workers earning an average of JD 691 compared with JD 632 for females. In the private sector, the average monthly wage stood at JD 499, including JD 517 for male workers.

Jordan’s labor movement has a long history, being one of the first Arab countries to establish labor organizations. The General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions, founded in 1954, played a key role in founding the Confederation of Arab Workers and participating in Arab-level meetings and activities. Over the years, Jordan’s labor movement has achieved progress, supported by positive conditions, national spirit, cooperation, and commitment to national assets with development partners, contributing to its growth and gains.

Amman: Oil prices continued their upward trend globally on Wednesday, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions that have weighed on market sentiment and influenced trading activity.

According to Jordan News Agency, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by 5.64% to $105.20 per barrel, supported by increased demand for hedging amid concerns over potential supply risks linked to escalating political tensions.

Brent crude climbed by 4.76% to $115.74 per barrel, as persistent worries over possible supply disruptions continued to support gains in recent trading sessions.

Amman: Social Development Minister Wafa Bani Mustafa on Wednesday engaged in discussions with Philip Goldman, Founder and President of Maestral International, to explore potential cooperation on various social programs.

According to Jordan News Agency, the minister highlighted the ministry’s initiatives aimed at fortifying Jordan’s social protection system. This includes an institutional and integrated approach intended to yield sustainable and positive outcomes for targeted demographics. The conversation included a review of services provided to persons with disabilities, such as expanded alternative care options, early intervention programs, inclusive day services, and family-based integration.

Further discussions centered around programs designed to economically empower vulnerable families. These initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy to transition beneficiaries from reliance on aid to increased productivity and employment.

On the subject of child welfare, Bani Mustafa emphasized ongoing efforts to improve child protection systems and case management. There is also a focus on developing alternative care policies and enhancing services within juvenile care centers. These enhancements include vocational training, extracurricular activities, psychosocial support, and capacity-building for social workers.

The minister lauded Maestral International for its contributions in priority areas and stressed the importance of expanding partnerships in child protection, family empowerment, and social protection systems. Such collaborations aim to bolster national efforts and enhance services for vulnerable groups.

Philip Goldman acknowledged the ministry’s dedication to delivering impactful programs for target groups and expressed keen interest in expanding cooperation in essential social sectors in the future.

Amman: The Eastern Military Zone early Wednesday successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of narcotics along its front using electronically directed balloons. Border Guard forces, through continuous surveillance, detected the balloons, engaged them, and forced them to land within Jordanian territory, in coordination with security agencies and the Anti-Narcotics Department.

According to Jordan News Agency, the seized materials were subsequently handed over to the relevant authorities to complete the necessary legal procedures.