Jordan to Gradually Amend Social Security Law Starting 2030

AMMAN - Jordan plans to gradually implement amendments to its social security law beginning in 2030, according to Labor Minister Khaled al-Bakkar.

The changes will not affect individuals eligible for early, mandatory, or voluntary retirement within the next four years, al-Bakkar stated. The government's priority is to safeguard the rights of citizens, Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan affirmed during a cabinet session.

Al-Bakkar clarified that the proposed changes to the social security law are not a withdrawal of the bill. Instead, they represent modifications to the original draft submitted by the government to the cabinet. These modifications were deemed necessary after discussions with experts, stakeholders, and parliamentary blocs, as well as an assessment of the law's practical application on various segments of workers and Social Security Corporation subscribers.

The actual implementation of the new law will commence on January 1, 2030, with a gradual adjustment of mandatory retirement conditions phased in from 2030 to 2040. By 2030, the mandatory retirement age will be 60 and a half years for males and 55 and a half years for females. This will increase by six months annually until reaching 65 years for males and 60 years for females by 2040, marking a 14-year transition period.

Regarding early retirement, al-Bakkar emphasized that the current conditions will remain unchanged until December 31, 2029. Starting in 2030, a gradual increase in the contribution period will be introduced, targeting a final requirement of 360 contributions (30 years of service) for males and 300 contributions (25 years of service) for females.

Currently, the requirement is 21 years of service for males and 19 years for females. From 2030, six months will be added annually to the required years of service, reaching 21 and a half years for males and 19 and a half years for females. This gradual increase will continue until 2047 for males (30 years of service) and 2041 for females (25 years of service), representing a 21-year and 15-year transition period, respectively.

The amended draft law ensures that acquired rights related to early, mandatory, and optional retirement will be fully protected during the next four years.