Accra:Inbound remittances from Jordanian expatriates totaled USD 2.97 billion during the first seven months of 2026, reflecting a 14.1 percent annual increase. This growth highlights the significant role of these transfers in stabilizing Jordan's external balance, as announced by Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Governor Adel Al-Sharkas.
According to Jordan News Agency, the surge in remittances follows a strong performance in 2025, when total remittances reached USD 4.5 billion, a 4.5 percent increase from 2024, accounting for approximately 7.3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In July 2026 alone, remittances amounted to USD 470.2 million, representing a 13.1 percent year-on-year rise.
Governor Al-Sharkas emphasized that remittances are the third-largest foreign currency source in Jordan's current account, after merchandise exports and tourism receipts. These funds are crucial for maintaining liquidity, supporting household purchasing power, and enhancing domestic savings and investment opportunities.
The geographical distribution of remittances during January to July 2026 showed a diverse range of origin markets, with the United Arab Emirates leading at 20.9 percent, followed by the United States at 19.3 percent, Saudi Arabia at 17.7 percent, Qatar at 10.5 percent, and Kuwait at 5.5 percent. Other international markets contributed 26.1 percent.
There was notable growth in remittance flows from key corridors, with Qatar experiencing a 25.8 percent increase, the United States 13.3 percent, Saudi Arabia 11.0 percent, and the UAE 10.7 percent. To maintain these inflows, Al-Sharkas stressed the importance of upskilling Jordanian talent, particularly through initiatives such as the Qatari-Jordanian employment portal.
Outbound remittances from non-Jordanian workers in the Kingdom rose by 14.4 percent year-on-year to USD 1.14 billion by July 2026, following a 14.2 percent rise in 2025. Egypt received 42.1 percent of total outbound transfers, Bangladesh 11.8 percent, the Philippines 4.8 percent, and Yemen 3.9 percent.
Despite the outflows, Jordan achieved a net remittance surplus of USD 1.8 billion through July 2026, building on a surplus of USD 2.7 billion in 2025, thereby strengthening the national foreign exchange liquidity.
Governor Al-Sharkas reaffirmed the CBJ's commitment to monetary stability, noting that foreign exchange reserves are at a robust USD 28.38 billion, providing a strong cushion for imports and safeguarding the national currency.
Domestically, while remittances fund household consumption, health, and education, the CBJ and commercial banks are working to incentivize formal savings and channel expatriate capital into long-term investments. Enhancing statistical methodologies for balance-of-payments accounting and accelerating digital transformation in financial channels are also priorities to improve transaction efficiency and regulatory oversight.