jordan pulse -

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor, Mohammad Al-Ziyoud, stated on Monday that over 1,000 domestic workers have been reported missing or running away since the beginning of the year, with the ministry successfully locating and detaining approximately 400 workers to date.
Al-Ziyoud explained that the government's decision initiated in early June provided a grace period for illegal non-Jordanian workers of various nationalities—including domestic workers—to rectify and legalize their employment status. He noted that roughly nine days remain before the deadline expires, during which the ministry's directorates will continue operating until 5:00 PM, including on Saturdays.
He revealed that the Minister of Labor directed the formation of two specialized inspection and oversight committees in coordination with the Public Security Directorate to track down runaway cases following numerous complaints from citizens.
The spokesperson indicated that the two committees will conduct continuous morning and evening inspection tours to apprehend non-compliant and absconding workers, while strengthening deterrence against anyone attempting to harbor, smuggle, or facilitate the escape of domestic workers, affirming that all violators will be held legally accountable.
According to available data, Al-Ziyoud clarified that instances of domestic workers absconding do not stem from organized networks, but rather represent individual cases. However, the phenomenon has spread across several nationalities due to a misconception among some workers that independent employment yields greater financial returns.
He emphasized that working strictly within legal frameworks and through licensed recruitment agencies protects workers from exploitation. Conversely, absconding leaves workers far more vulnerable to abuse and deprives them of the ability to seek recourse through the Ministry of Labor if subjected to injustice or rights violations.
Al-Ziyoud noted that the ministry remains in close communication with the Association of Recruitment Agencies and relevant foreign embassies to raise awareness among workers regarding the dangers of absconding and working outside legal channels.
He added that the status rectification period offered domestic workers who had been missing for over two years an opportunity to transfer to a new employer; however, turnout remained lower than anticipated, prompting the ministry to intensify tracking and inspection measures through the newly established committees.