Jordan's unemployment rate decreased to 16.1 percent in the second quarter of 2026, marking a 0.4 percentage point reduction compared to the same period a year earlier. This decline signifies a positive shift in the labor market dynamics of the Hashemite Kingdom. The reduction in the overall unemployment rate aligns with the strategic objectives and efforts outlined in Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision 2026-2029. This full executive program aims to address persistent economic challenges through the implementation of 392 specific projects, each designed to contribute to job creation and economic growth. The consistent focus on these initiatives is beginning to yield measurable improvements in employment figures.
Unemployment Trends Detailed
A more granular analysis of the data reveals specific improvements across various demographic groups within the Jordanian workforce. Unemployment among Jordanians decreased by 0.3 percentage points year on year, reaching 21 percent in the second quarter of 2026, down from 21.3 percent in the same quarter of 2025. This reduction notes the effectiveness of targeted policies aimed at integrating Jordanian nationals into the labor force. The rate for Jordanian women experienced a particularly notable decline, falling by 5.3 percentage points compared to a year earlier, settling at 19.9 percent. This significant improvement suggests that initiatives designed to empower women in the workforce are gaining traction. This also represents a 2.4 percentage point decline for Jordanian women from the first quarter of 2026, indicating a sustained positive trend in their employment prospects.
Further reinforcing the positive trajectory, unemployment among Jordanian men dropped by 4.2 percentage points from 22.7 percent recorded in the second quarter of 2021. This long-term improvement shows the resilience and adaptability of the male workforce in response to economic reforms and opportunities. The overall unemployment rate for Jordanians has seen a reduction of 1.7 percentage points over the past four years, starting from the second quarter of 2022, demonstrating a consistent downward trend in national joblessness. For Jordanians aged 24 and above, a key demographic for sustained economic productivity, the unemployment rate was 18 percent in the second quarter of 2026. This figure reflects the ongoing efforts to ensure that experienced and mature workers find stable employment opportunities.
Supporting these national statistics, data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) indicates that employment-intensive investment programs were responsible for creating 3,381 jobs in 2025. These programs are vital for directly injecting employment opportunities into the economy, particularly in sectors with high labor demand. Additionally, ILO data shows that skills-placement initiatives supported 1,785 individuals during the same period. These initiatives are critical for bridging the gap between available skills and market needs, ensuring that job seekers are equipped with the competencies required by employers. The combined impact of these programs contributes significantly to the overall reduction in unemployment.
Government Vision for Jobs
The Economic Modernization Vision is projected to attract approximately 10 billion Jordanian dinars, equivalent to $14.1 billion, in investment through partnerships with the private sector. This substantial financial commitment is central to the government's strategy for economic revitalization. This strategic initiative aims to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities across various sectors by leveraging private capital and expertise. The investment target shows the government's commitment to engaging the private sector as a key driver for economic development and job creation, recognizing its capacity to innovate and expand. Such a significant influx of capital is intended to support a wide array of projects, potentially spanning infrastructure development, technological innovation, industrial expansion, and other vital industries, contributing to the broader goal of reducing unemployment and fostering a dynamic economy. The successful implementation of these projects is expected to generate a ripple effect, creating both direct and indirect employment.
A key component of the Economic Modernization Vision specifically includes the creation of at least 5,000 new job opportunities within the governorates. This targeted approach is designed to distribute economic benefits beyond the capital and address regional disparities in employment, ensuring more equitable growth across the country. By focusing on job creation in the governorates, the government seeks to empower local economies and provide sustained employment for residents outside major urban centers, thereby reducing internal migration pressures and strengthening regional development. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to ensure inclusive growth and provide pathways for Jordanians to enter the workforce, particularly in areas that may have historically faced higher unemployment rates. This decentralized job creation strategy is essential for building a resilient and balanced national economy.
International Labour Efforts
In May, Jordan and the International Labour Organization launched a Decent Work Country Program for 2026-27. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance labor market conditions and promote employment opportunities within the Hashemite Kingdom, building upon existing national strategies. This program is designed to align with national development priorities, focusing on creating more and better jobs, ensuring social protection for workers, and upholding fundamental labor rights. The collaboration between Jordan and the International Labour Organization shows a shared commitment to fostering a sustainable and equitable labor environment, which is key for long-term economic stability and growth. The program's launch signals continued international cooperation in addressing complex employment challenges, providing technical assistance and expertise to bolster national efforts. This partnership is expected to further strengthen Jordan's institutional capacity to manage its labor market effectively and inclusively.
