The Ministry of Labour of Jordan and the International Labour Organization signed an agreement on 20 October 2026 to reform the national garment sector. Titled 'Better Work and Labor Governance to Support Jordan’s Garment Sector', the pact establishes a new framework for cooperation between the government and the international body.
Jordan’s labour minister Nidal Qatamin and International Labour Organization regional director for Arab states Ruba Jaradat signed the agreement in Amman. Their signatures formalize a joint effort to align local industry practices with international standards.
Project activities focus on providing support to factories, improving labour inspections, and strengthening grievance systems within the garment sector. These measures seek to address operational challenges and ensure compliance with governance requirements across the industry.
The formal signing ceremony, held in the capital city of Amman, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Labour of Jordan and the International Labour Organization. By finalizing this agreement, Jordan’s labour minister Nidal Qatamin and International Labour Organization regional director for Arab states Ruba Jaradat have committed their respective organizations to a structured path of industrial reform. This initiative is designed to enhance the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Labour of Jordan while leveraging the technical expertise provided by the International Labour Organization.
The project aims to support factories, inspections, and grievance systems within the garment sector. By focusing on these three specific pillars, the Ministry of Labour of Jordan and the International Labour Organization intend to create a more strong regulatory environment. Providing support to factories involves targeted interventions that assist facility managers in meeting the requirements set forth by the new framework. Simultaneously, the focus on improving labour inspections is intended to ensure that consistent oversight is maintained throughout the garment sector. This will involve the deployment of updated protocols for inspectors working under the Ministry of Labour of Jordan, as well as the implementation of modernized reporting mechanisms.
Strengthening grievance systems within the garment sector serves as a critical component of the agreement. This aspect of the project is designed to provide a clear and effective channel for addressing concerns that may arise within the workplace. By bolstering these systems, the Ministry of Labour of Jordan and the International Labour Organization hope to foster greater transparency and accountability.
This multi-faceted approach reflects the shared goals of Nidal Qatamin and Ruba Jaradat, who have emphasized the importance of sustainable development within the garment sector. The partnership is structured to ensure that the garment sector remains a vital part of the national economy while operating in accordance with the standards established by the International Labour Organization. The collaboration between the Ministry of Labour of Jordan and the International Labour Organization is expected to yield measurable improvements in how factories operate and how labour regulations are applied. As the project progresses, the Ministry of Labour of Jordan will work closely with the International Labour Organization to monitor the implementation of these reforms, ensuring that the garment sector benefits from enhanced governance and operational support. The agreement represents a long-term commitment to the garment sector, with both the Ministry of Labour of Jordan and the International Labour Organization dedicated to the successful execution of the project's objectives.
