jordan pulse -

Haifa Darwish, Head of the Child Labor Inspection Section at the Ministry of Labor, clarified on Thursday that child employment falls directly under the provisions of the Jordanian Labor Law whenever basic employment criteria—namely wages, subordination, and employer supervision—are met.
Darwish emphasized that any child working under these defined parameters is subject to Labor Ministry oversight. She noted, however, that child begging—despite being a physical activity performed by minors—does not fall under the Labor Law, but is governed by the Juvenile Law and handled by the Ministry of Social Development.
The Labor Law defines child labor as applying to anyone under the age of 18, with Article 73 explicitly prohibiting the employment of children under 16 in any capacity.
Darwish highlighted that this strict prohibition applies even if the minor works for immediate family members—such as a father, brother, or uncle—provided the basic legal conditions of employment are present, underscoring that the primary goal remains safeguarding the child's best interests.
Field inspection teams routinely discover cases of children working within family businesses, according to Darwish. She added that family members often fail to recognize the operational hazards children face, including occupational injuries and long-term health risks.
For minors aged 16 to 18, employment is legally permissible but strictly regulated. A ministerial decree prohibits their placement in hazardous, strenuous, or health-damaging environments. Occupational safety regulations also mandate that employers conduct comprehensive risk assessments, which assist inspectors in evaluating job site hazards.
Darwish cautioned that all sectors carry inherent risks. The agricultural sector, for example, exposes young workers to dangerous pesticides, fertilizers, heavy machinery, and venomous reptiles.
Addressing children working on public roads—particularly those selling coffee—Darwish warned of severe hazards, including traffic accidents, exposure to adult exploitation, and severe psychological or moral harm.
She concluded by reinforcing that public policy must prioritize the best interests of the child, questioning whether a minor's proper place is on the street and in work environments or at a desk in school.