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AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Sunday that Jordan's position against the displacement of Palestinians remains "irreversible and unchanged," emphasizing the need for achieving regional stability and peace.

In remarks made during discussions with Sigrid Kaag, the Acting Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Safadi reiterated Jordan's unwavering commitment to supporting Palestinians on their land.

"Jordan's position on this matter has been always clear and has not and will not ever change."

Safadi underscored that resolving the Palestinian issue lies within Palestine itself, reaffirming, "Jordan is for Jordanians, and Palestine is for Palestinians."

He also highlighted Jordan’s ongoing efforts, under Royal directives, to deliver the largest possible volume of aid to Gaza, ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian support into the war-torn coastal enclave in preparation for reconstruction efforts.

Safadi also emphasized Jordan’s readiness to cooperate with the US administration to achieve peace in the region, noting that Jordan is working with all regional partners to make tangible progress toward peace.

Safadi and Kaag stressed the importance of continued collaboration to achieve a just and comprehensive peace. This vision includes the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the national Palestinian soil, based on the two-state solution along the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. 

Safadi reiterated that the path to security, stability, and peace in the region lies in fulfilling the rights of the Palestinian people, allowing a sovereign Palestinian state to coexist in peace and security alongside Israel, in accordance with the two-state solution, international law, relevant international legitimacy resolutions, and recognized references.

He pointed to recent developments in the region, including breakthroughs that should be built upon, such as the progress made during the prisoner exchange deal, which led to a ceasefire and facilitated the flow of aid into Gaza.

Safadi also mentioned shifts in Lebanon and Syria, affirming that Jordan will continue to work with all parties, as it always has, to capitalize on these positive developments.

AMMAN — The Ministry of Interior has announced a new decision permitting foreign nationals and Syrian nationals residing in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and all European countries to enter Jordan without prior approvals. 

This applies to individuals holding valid residencies of at least four months, marking a reduction from the previous six-month requirement, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

The Ministry said that the policy aims to promote tourism, boost business and investment, and align with the Economic Modernisation Vision, by establishing Jordan as a global tourism and investment destination, the policy encompasses cultural, natural, medical, health, and conference tourism, along with filmmaking.

The ministry also announced that holders of Schengen and US visas may now enter the Kingdom regardless of prior usage of these visas in issuing countries. 

Those granted five-year multiple-entry visas to Jordan will automatically receive a three-month residence permit for each visit upon arrival at border checkpoints, eliminating the need for security reviews.

Domestic workers accompanying Jordanian sponsors residing in the GCC or those employed by GCC nationals can enter Jordan alongside their employers and obtain temporary three-month residencies through border centres. 

This measure aims to support Jordanian expatriates and streamline visits for GCC residents, the ministry said. 

The ministry also stressed that these changes prioritise the state’s supreme interests while maintaining the integrity of Jordan’s national security framework.

AMMAN — The Cabinet on Sunday approved a plan to develop a comprehensive legal framework to regulate virtual and digital assets, aiming to establish clear governance mechanisms for this rapidly growing sector within a year.

The decision, taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister JaafarHassan, aligns with the Future Technology Council's programmes, which were initiated under Royal directives and are overseen by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, according to a Prime Ministry statement. 

The initiative underscores the increasing significance of virtual assets in the global financial landscape, reflecting the government's commitment to providing opportunities for Jordanian youth to engage in the digital economy

Jordanian innovators have already made their mark, establishing several prominent digital asset platforms in the region, the statement said. 

The Cabinet has mandated the Jordan Securities Commission (JSC) to develop the necessary legal, procedural and technical frameworks for the licensing and accreditation of international virtual asset trading platforms.

These frameworks will set conditions for companies operating in the sector, with the entire process expected to be completed within 12 months.

The groundwork for this initiative was laid earlier this year when a high-level ministerial committee was formed to study legislative and governance models for virtual asset platforms. 

Led by the minister of digital economy and entrepreneurship, the committee includes representatives from the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ), the Jordan Securities Commission (JSC), the Income and Sales Tax Department, the National Cybersecurity Centre and the General Intelligence Department.

A preliminary study conducted by the JSC identified the need for specialisedlegislation to regulate trading in virtual assets and emphasised the importance of aligning with global best practices to combat financial crime.

By creating a secure and transparent regulatory environment, the government aims to attract foreign investment, empower local entrepreneurs and position Jordan as a regional leader in financial technology.

The initiative is also part of Jordan's economic modernisation vision, which prioritises the promotion of innovation and the adoption of advanced technologies in key sectors.

Countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, Turkey, the US and Japan have demonstrated the potential of regulated virtual asset markets to drive economic growth, providing a blueprint for Jordan's ambitions.

The framework will address all aspects of virtual asset governance, with a focus on flexibility to encourage start-ups and innovation. Advanced cybersecuritymeasures will be incorporated to protect user data and assets, while robust anti-money laundering protocols will ensure compliance with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines, the statement said. 

The Council of Ministers has also approved several key projects in the water and agriculture sectors, along with measures to address outstanding tax issues and enhance the Kingdom's framework for the rights of persons with disabilities.

To enhance water and sanitation infrastructure, the Cabinet approved the extension of the Ain Ghazal sanitation project, which includes an amendment to the existing agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with an additional grant to support procurement and supervision activities. 

The project, expected to be completed by the end of this year, involves constructing a pipeline to transport wastewater from Ain Ghazal to the Al Kherbeh Al Samratreatment plant, ensuring more efficient wastewater management for the area, according to the statement. 

The Cabinet also approved financing for the Jordan Valley Water Resources Project through a 24.3 million euro agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB). 

The project aims to enhance water management in the Jordan Valley by rehabilitating irrigation networks, constructing a closed water carrier to reduce losses from the King Abdullah Canal, and building a new water reservoir, ensuring a more reliable water supply for farmers, particularly during droughts.

The Council of Ministers also approved the allocation of nearly 1,300 dunums of land in Aqaba for agricultural projects. 

The land, located in the villages of RaydanAl-Aqaylaih and Bir Mathkour, will be leased to boost agricultural production and generate employment opportunities for the local community. 

The projects will focus on crops suitable for the region’s climate, including the production of animal feed. 

The approval is contingent upon the establishment of these projects within three years, after which the decision may be revoked if progress is not made.

As part of efforts to stimulate economic activity, the Cabinet also approved the settlement of tax issues for 674 companies and individuals. 

This initiative aligns with the government's broader economic modernisation agenda, which seeks to encourage investment and support private sector growth.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to the administrative regulations of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, meant to expand the council's role in promoting awareness of disability rights, coordinating with donors and implementing relevant projects.

AMMAN — Forty families of Syrian refugees voluntarily left the Azraq Refugee Camp on Friday on their way back home, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported, citing announcement by the UNHCR.

Azraq Refugee Camp, established in 2014, is located 20 kilometers west of Azraq city and is home to 41,000 refugees, with children accounting for 61 per cent of its residents, according to UNHCR.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR said they are coordinating refugees' return trips, providing logistical support such as transportation for refugees and their belongings.

UNHCR has reported a significant increase in the number of Syrian refugees returning home from Jordan in 2024.

The total number of returnees reached approximately 17,200, including 5,100 who returned in December alone. UNHCR highlighted the sharp increase in returns in the second half of the year, noting that there were more returnees in December 2024 than in the whole of 2023, which totalled around 4,400.

According to official figures, Jordan is home to around 1.3 million Syrians, including nearly 660,000 refugees registered UNHCR.

Of those who returned in December, 64 per cent were men and boys, while 36 per cent were women and girls. Whole families accounted for 36 per cent of returnees, with all family members travelling together. About 27 per cent of the returnees were children and 5 per cent were elderly.

UNHCR estimates that more than 125,000 Syrians have returned home since the fall of the former regime of Bashar Al Assad [on December 8] from host countries, noting that the main destinations for returnees include Aleppo, Raqqa and Draa, the birthplace of Syrian uprising in 2011.

Earlier in January, the Ministry of Interior said that 1,053 Syrian refugees have voluntarily left camps in Jordan to return to Syria, while 10,262 refugees living outside camps also returned voluntarily.

AMMAN — As wet season has brought no enough rains so far, farmers in Irbid said they have been pushed farmers to a breaking point, forcing them to uproot their winter crops due to poor growth and low yields. 

Fields that should be teeming with produce are now barren, leaving thousands of families who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods in a dire situation.

The crisis, further exacerbated by climate change, has disrupted local food production, threatening to drive up prices of essential Ramadan staples and adding to the financial strain on families as the holy month nears, according to local farmers.

In an effort to recover some of their losses, many farmers in Irbid are preparing their land for fertilisation and replanting summer crops, hoping for rainfall in the coming weeks.

Essa Obeidat, a farmer from Irbid, told The Jordan Times, "Key winter crops in the region, such as spinach, wild herbs, and cauliflower, have suffered severely, with farmers reporting stunted growth and widespread crop diseases."

"Winter crops have traditionally been a lifeline for families in Irbid. They are rain-fed, low-cost, and an essential source of income during the colder months, helping families cover heating and other winter expenses. This year, however, the lack of rainfall has left many households struggling to meet their financial needs."

Similarly, Um Tareq, who owns a production kitchen, explained the ripple effect on small businesses. 

"Our kitchens, which rely heavily on winter crops to prepare Ramadan essentials like pickles and frozen vegetables, have been severely impacted. With the shortage of raw materials and rising costs, we're facing significant price increases during the holy month."

As farmers and local businesses grapple with this crisis, the broader economic impact of the drought continues to unfold, with higher prices on the horizon for essential food items.

AMMAN — The World Food Programme (WFP) said that $997 million required for Jordan's Strategic Plan (2023-2027), of which $364 million has been received in 2024. 

In its country brief for December, WFP says it needs $213.8 million to fund operations in Jordan in 2025.

WFP said it has provided monthly food assistance to 310,000 refugees in camps and communities in the Kingdom in December, "yet at reduced levels of $21 per person per month.

The programme said that it distributed date bars to around 430,000 students in the camps and communities in December through the National School Feeding Programme administrated by the Ministry of Education. 

WFP also said it distributed healthy meals to an additional 90,000 students in communities in December. 

Jordan hosts the second-largest number of refugees per capita worldwide. As of January 2024, some 730,000 refugees were registered with UNHCR, 81 per cent of whom were living within communities and 19 per cent in the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps. 

According to official figures, Jordan is home to around 1.3 million Syrians, including nearly 660,000 refugees registered at UNHCR, out of more than 5 million Syrian refugees in Jordan and neighbouring countries.

In December, WFP Jordan said it launched its first joint pilot with the Agriculture Credit Corporation to increase farmers’ access to finance for climate-resilient agricultural practices, under which it had provided climate-smart agriculture workshops to around 200 smallholder farmers and MSMEs participants in the agri-food sector from Jerash and Mafraq governorates.

The programme said it continued providing technical support to Jordan’s Food Security Council, saying it developed a monitoring and evaluation matrix in December to track progress on food security in Jordan as part of the National Food Security Indicator Improvement Plan.

AMMAN — On the International Day of Education, the UK government and UNICEF reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring inclusive and equitable education opportunities for all children in Jordan. 

As part of this commitment, the UK government has announced a contribution of 6.4 million sterling pounds ($8.1 million) to support the provision of quality education for vulnerable children in Jordan, including Syrian refugee children, according to a UNICEF statement.

Jordan is home to around 300,000 registered Syrian refugee children, many of whom face significant barriers to accessing quality education mainly due to socio-economic challenges. 

This partnership is envisioned to enhance access to quality and inclusive education and support the Ministry of Education’s efforts to develop evidence-based policies and practices to prevent school dropout among vulnerable children.

UNICEF Representative to Jordan Philippe Duamelle said: "Today’s International Day of Education is a symbolic moment to mark this important partnership between the Ministry of Education, the UK, and UNICEF. 

Duamelle added that education is not just a fundamental right, it is the best investment for a peaceful and prosperous future.  

"We are grateful for this generous support from the UK government, and we remain committed to working in close partnership with the Ministry of Education to ensure that every child in Jordan learns to their full potential, in an inclusive learning environment,” he added.

British Ambassador to Jordan Philip Hall said: “Today we remind ourselves, if we need reminding, of the transformative power of education.Education is how everyone in society can better themselves.  

It speaks to one of the most basic aspirations of any parent: to equip their children to have the best possible opportunity in life, the ambassador added. 

"We all want all of our children to be as able and as equipped to make their way in the world as possible. Anyone excluded from education is less likely to be able to contribute fully to society - and is much more likely to disrupt it," the diplomat noted.  

"So it makes sense to educate all our children, including those with disabilities and others who tend to be excluded," he stressed.

Hall added that meeting the aspirations of parents for their children’s education is an enormous challenge in every country.

"So I’d like to thank the Minister, and through him the Government of Jordan, for all that Jordan does to educate everyone in Jordan. UNICEF provides vital support for children worldwide, and I’d like to thank UNICEF team for all that they do in Jordan, and especially for all that they do for refugee children," the ambassador said. 

"The UK partners with Jordan and UNICEF in many aspects of education.  Today we are committing to further funding to partner with both, in order to help ensure that refugee children in camps can access education,” he noted.

This funding will enable UNICEF to support over 36,000 vulnerable girls and boys, ensuring they can remain in school, said the statement.

Efforts will focus on improving access to safe and inclusive education by maintaining essential school operations, such as enhancing the schools’ infrastructure, funding key operational costs, providing transportation for children with disabilities and distributing assistive devices to those in need. 

Formal schools, non-formal education centres, and kindergarten facilities will benefit from this support, according to the statement.