Amman: Social Security Corporation (SSC) Director General Hazim Rahahleh stated that the institution is prioritizing partnerships with the private sector to maintain a sustainable social security system while providing support to businesses facing economic and regional challenges.
According to Jordan News Agency, Rahahleh, during a meeting with representatives from the commercial and service sectors at the Amman Chamber of Commerce, revealed that the SSC's Board of Directors has approved a package of exceptional facilities specifically designed for the tourism sector and its related activities. These facilities include the option for installment payments on outstanding obligations at a 1% interest rate, with the possibility of deferring repayments until April of the following year, subject to specific criteria. This initiative aims to assist businesses in overcoming current challenges and retaining their employees.
Rahahleh highlighted that these privileges were introduced after a thorough study of the challenges facing the tourism sector, coupled with dialogues with relevant stakeholders. He assured that the corporation would address the condition of each establishment individually, devising solutions within existing regulations to balance the interests of employers, protect insured individuals' rights, and ensure the sustainability of social security funds.
The SSC director emphasized that the corporation continuously monitors the conditions of various economic sectors and that the decision to extend exceptional privileges to other sectors would be based on an objective assessment of the extent of damage, in coordination with relevant government entities. Furthermore, Rahahleh mentioned that the next phase would focus on expanding social security coverage. The corporation plans to send notices to establishments employing workers with work permits who are not yet covered by social security, facilitated by an electronic link with the Labor Ministry.
Amman Chamber of Commerce Chairman Khalil Hajj Tawfiq advocated for the expansion of social security privileges to include other commercial and service sectors affected by regional crises. He pointed out that while tourism has been most severely affected, the repercussions of the war have impacted various economic sectors. Commerce chambers and employers' associations have already provided the government with data illustrating the damage suffered by these sectors, including declining sales and reduced commercial activity, which have adversely affected many businesses.