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AMMAN — Jordan’s helicopter unit “Congo 1” has continued to “successfully” carry out a range of aerial and ground missions in recent weeks, in support of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

These operations are aimed at alleviating the impact of ongoing conflict on local populations in the eastern part of the country, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Commander of the international forces within MONUSCO Lieutenant General Ulises Gomez, along with his senior staff, commended the “outstanding” efforts of the Jordanian personnel. 

Their remarks came following participation in one of the Jordanian led aerial sorties, which, they said, “demonstrated a high level of professionalism, readiness, and operational competence.”

As part of its humanitarian mission, the unit has also provided advanced medical and logistical support through its field medical centre to land convoys operating within its area of responsibility. 

These efforts have “significantly” enhanced the international forces’ capacity to meet humanitarian and security demands.

The “Congo 1” helicopter unit marks Jordan’s first ever aviation deployment in a UN peacekeeping mission and is considered a regional first in terms of the nature and history of its involvement.

AMMAN — School of Foreign Languages at the University of Jordan (UJ) on Sunday held Russian Language and Culture Day, in cooperation with the Russian Embassy and the Russian Cultural Centre in Amman.

The event aimed to boost bilateral cultural friendship and exchange and provide an opportunity for UJ's students and the local community to gain a "closer" understanding of Russian heritage and traditions, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Dean of the School Marwan Jarrah, in the presence of the Russian Deputy Ambassador to the Kingdom Kseniya Kerpichenko, noted the importance of cultural exchange and the role of language as "a bridge of communication."

Jarrah also underlined the school's continued endeavour to build channels of "constructive" cooperation, adding that the UJ is "proud" of the academic programme to teach the Russian language and is "constantly" striving to enhance cooperation with prestigious Russian universities.

Meanwhile, Director of the Russian Cultural Centre in Amman Alexey Bukin said that it annually offers 175 scholarships to Jordanian students to pursue their studies in various disciplines at Russian universities, which contributes to enhancing mutual academic and popular ties.

The Cultural Day programme featured diverse shows that reflected "richness" of Russian culture and a screening of a short film about Russia, as well as other folkloric and literary activities.

AMMAN — The Cabinet, during a session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, on Sunday approved the 2025 Government Leadership Bylaw, which aims to expand access to vacant leadership positions by facilitating applications through electronic platforms and the official social media accounts of Jordanian missions abroad.

The amended bylaw also seeks to reduce the time required to fill leadership vacancies and strengthen governance related to the preparation and approval of job descriptions for senior positions, according to a Prime Ministry statement. 

Under the new bylaw, relevant departments will draft job descriptions, which will then be reviewed and approved by the Civil Service Bureau and the Public Administration Commission. The process ensures alignment with existing legislation, national policies, and procedural manuals, according to the statement. 

The bylaw also allows for remote interviews with candidates to enhance flexibility and accommodate applicants’ circumstances. Additional assessment tools, such as visual presentations and case studies, may also be used to evaluate candidates’ qualifications and suitability.

In line with the Economic Modernisation Vision, the Cabinet also approved the 2025 Bylaw for Traditional Handicrafts and Industries. The bylaw eliminates the requirement for financial guarantees, aiming to reduce financial burdens on stakeholders and generate more employment opportunities in the sector.

Additionally, the Cabinet endorsed amendments to the 2025 Jordan Handicraft Producers Association Bylaw, which include the reduction or cancellation of licensing fees for women and persons with disabilities who own or work in handicraft shops.

On the international front, the Council of Ministers approved a maritime transport cooperation agreement between Jordan’s Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise in maritime transport, thereby attracting investment and enhancing the capabilities of the sector in both countries.

AMMAN — The national economy is showing strong signs of structural maturation in early 2025, buoyed by notable performances in the industrial and financial sectors, according to recent data.

Despite a challenging global and regional environment, the Kingdom has maintained steady economic progress, with first-quarter figures pointing to a strategic shift toward value-added industries, technological adoption, and enhanced domestic productivity, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported, citing experts.

Corporate earnings from the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) underscore this momentum. Aggregate net profits for listed companies rose by 7.6 per cent year-on-year in Q1 2025, reaching approximately JD565 million. The financial sector led the surge, posting JD365.5 million in profits, followed by the industrial sector at JD161 million. The services sector also reported positive results, with earnings of JD34.7 million.

Economists see this widespread growth as “evidence of a deeper transformation within the economy, moving towards innovation and value creation.” Export figures for the industrial sector support this view, with a 4–7 per cent rise in Q1 despite a global economic slowdown. The gains reflect long-term policies aimed at transitioning from commodity-based outputs to advanced manufacturing.

A recent report by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) highlighted Jordan's growing technological sophistication and increased local value-added content in manufacturing—metrics in which the Kingdom has now outpaced some regional peers.

Iyad Abu Haltam, a representative of the industrial sector, credited the growth to sustained investment in human capital, an improved business environment, and government initiatives supporting digitisation and modernisation. He noted a significant shift in industrial composition, with extractive industries now comprising less than 23 per cent of exports, while knowledge-based manufacturing continues to expand.

However, Abu Haltam stressed the need for further diversification of export markets and support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the new national industrial policy to maintain momentum.

In the financial sector, stability was reflected in the ASE general index, which rose by 1.52 per cent in Q1. Omar Gharaibeh, an analyst at Al Bayt University, attributed the performance to the Central Bank of Jordan’s (CBJ) consistent and cautious monetary policy, which has effectively balanced economic growth and exchange rate stability.

Sub-sector performance also improved, with the insurance index climbing 4.07 per cent and banking rising 1.88 per cent, thanks to improved operational efficiency, strong credit markets, and a supportive regulatory framework. In contrast, the real estate and diversified financial services sectors saw modest headwinds due to market volatility and interest rate pressures.

Macroeconomic indicators further support the positive trend. Economist Hussam Ayesh noted that Q1 local revenues reached JD1.444 billion, driven by strong tax collections. The banking sector posted a 7.2 per cent rise in profits year-on-year, reaching JD251 million, while deposits exceeded JD47 billion and credit facilities passed JD35 billion, reflecting efficient liquidity management.

Tourism and remittances also bolstered foreign reserves, which surpassed $22 billion in early 2025. These developments, Ayesh said, have given monetary policymakers considerable flexibility.

International financial institutions have taken note. Credit rating agencies, including Fitch, affirmed Jordan’s long-term foreign currency rating at BB- with a stable outlook. Investment and finance expert Haider Majali said this reflects global confidence in Jordan’s creditworthiness, even amid regional instability and global economic headwinds.

“The stability in Jordan’s credit rating highlights the country's ability to meet its debt obligations,” Majali told The Jordan Times, citing the strength of the banking sector, availability of financing, and ongoing international support.

He added that this rating is reinforced by the availability of financing for the local economy, the strength of the banking sector and the continued international support to the Kingdom, as Jordan has maintained its economic stability despite high public debt, limited growth, and high current account deficit.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Sunday toured six educational, industrial, youth and health facilities in the districts of Al Koura and Qasabat Irbid , as part of his field visits to development projects across the Kingdom.

The tour began with a visit to a comprehensive secondary school for girls, where the prime minister, accompanied by the minister of education, listened to students’ and teachers’ concerns. He instructed that the school undergo full maintenance and that an assessment be conducted to explore the possibility of expanding its facilities, according to a Prime Ministry statement. 

At another comprehensive secondary school, Hassan commended the contributions of community volunteers in implementing local initiatives. He called for a study to expand the school and equip it with playgrounds and outdoor areas, particularly for kindergarten students, along with conducting general maintenance.

At Al Areen Garment Manufacturing Company, a Royal Initiative project employing 400 people, the prime minister, alongside the minister of labour, affirmed the government's support for the factory's expansion plan, which aims to create 200 additional jobs. He also ordered the acceleration of approvals for connecting the facility to solar energy sources, to lower production costs and encourage industrial investment.

In a visit to the Deir Abi Saeed Youth Centre, Hassan met with young women benefiting from training programmes. Joined by the minister of youth, he discussed ways to enhance the centre's role in empowering youth. He also instructed the expansion and accreditation of vocational and technical training programmes, the extension of training durations, and the provision of modern computers, internet access, and air conditioning for the facility’s halls.

The Prime Minister also visited Princess Raya Bint Al Hussein Hospital, where he inspected medical departments and listened to patient and staff feedback. He directed the expansion of the intensive care and physical therapy units and ordered improvements to parking areas to better serve patients.

Hassan also visited the under-construction Princess Basma Hospital, where finishing works are nearing completion. He stressed the importance of completing the project by September to begin delivering health services to the public. He also called for the urgent rehabilitation of roads leading to the hospital to ensure smooth access for citizens.

The prime minister was accompanied during the tour by Irbid Governor Radwan Otoum and several Cabinet ministers.

AMMAN — The Senate Legal Committee, chaired by Senator Ahmad Tbeishat, on Sunday approved the 2025 Penal Code draft amendments submitted by the Lower House, endorsing the legislation without amendments.

The committee meeting was attended by Minister of Justice Bassam Talhouni, Minister of State for Legal Affairs Fayez Qudah, Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice Waleed Kanakrieh, Secretary General of the Judicial Council Ali Masimi, and Prosecutor General Hassan Abdallat, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The proposed amendments seek to expand the application of non-custodial alternatives to imprisonment by enhancing judicial discretion and broadening eligibility criteria for such measures. They also empower the enforcement judge to collect court-ordered fines under the provisions of the Law on the Collection of Public Funds.

Aligned with a broader shift toward restorative justice, the amendments aim to facilitate the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, reduce repeat offences, and alleviate pressure on correctional facilities. 

Key provisions include enabling the suspension of final court sentences and granting judges the authority to postpone or divide fine payments into instalments — steps intended to help reduce prison overcrowding and improve access to justice.

AMMAN — In a bid to cope with the latest developments in the security and rehabilitation fields, the Public Security Directorate (PSD) inaugurated on Sunday the Correction and Rehabilitation Centres Training and Development Institute's new building in Amman.

The launching event was initiated in close partnership among the PSD, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the European Union (EU), which provided the financial support under the Budget Support Program “Support to the Rule of Law in Jordan”.

The new training facility marks a major step forward in strengthening institutional capacities and professional development within Jordan’s correctional system, according to a press release by GIZ.

Building on the PSD’s correctional and rehabilitation efforts, the new facility will serve as a dedicated hub for training correctional officers, focusing on modern rehabilitation approaches and human rights-based practices, the press release added.

PSD Director Maj. Gen. Obeidallah Maaytah said during the inauguration ceremony that “this achievement represents a qualitative shift in the reform system that is adopted by the PSD”.

“The new entity embodies the PSD’s commitment to developing training infrastructure and enhancing the efficiency of its personnel, which will positively impact the quality of services provided to inmates while strengthening the standards of justice and human rights,” Maaytah told the gathering.

The PSD chief also expressed his appreciation for the long-standing partnership in advancing security and institutional reform.

The Centre will also constitute a venue for the training of rule of law and correction officers, equipping them with the required skills, knowledge, practical training and emotional intelligence to manage the complexities of modern correctional systems.

Meanwhile, EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas said that the establishment of the centre reflects the PSD’s commitment to “viewing incarceration not as a punishment, but as a way to rehabilitate and reintegrate inmates into society”.

This philosophy aligns with the EU’s core values of human rights, dignity, and the rule of law, Chatzisavas added.

“By providing inmates with the tools for personal growth, through education, vocational training, and psychological support, we want to empower them to rebuild their lives,” Chatzisavas told the gathering.

GIZ Country Director Lorenz Petersen pointed out that in addition to providing training, the new institute “will work to shape mindsets, systems, and future generations of correctional professionals in Jordan”.

“At GIZ, we strongly believe that effective reform begins with people and institutions—and this centre represents exactly that,” Petersen stressed.

The centre is more than bricks and mortar, Petersen maintained.

“It is a beacon of professionalism, rehabilitation, and dignity…It reflects a broader vision—one that places human rights, accountability, and the rule of law at the centre of correctional work, as highlighted by Maaytah”.

The institute is the result of a strong cooperation between the PSD and the EU and its Delegation here in Amman, Petersen stated.

“I take pride in our GIZ Team's contributions under the Technical Assistance to Support the Rule of Law in Jordan,” Petersen added.

The inauguration included a symbolic unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a tour of the facility, where guests also viewed an exhibition of products made by inmates participating in the PSD’s vocational rehabilitation programs implemented in collaboration with GIZ, according to the press release.

The event was part of a series of inaugurations taking place throughout May 2025, celebrating the EU’s ongoing contribution to strengthening the rule of law and access to justice in Jordan, the press release added.

AMMAN — Minister of Public Works and Housing Maher  Abul Samen on Sunday warned that repeated acts of vandalism on Jordan’s road infrastructure cost the state over JD3 million annually, with an additional JD1.5 million spent on preventative measures.

Abu Samen described the increasing incidents of theft and vandalism targeting road lighting systems, metal safety barriers, and traffic signs as a growing threat that requires urgent legal reforms and strict enforcement, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

He noted that more than 300 such incidents are recorded each year, with stolen materials often repurposed for scrap or used in illegal electricity generation.

“These attacks not only damage vital infrastructure, but also endanger public safety,” Abu Samen said, noting that the absence of lighting increases the risk of nighttime accidents. "The removal of traffic signs, particularly in construction or hazardous zones, can lead to driver confusion, while the theft of safety barriers significantly raises the risk of severe accidents."

The minister also said that the ministry is currently undertaking a comprehensive technical and legal review aimed at proposing legislative amendments and introducing stricter penalties. Preventive measures already in place include the construction of protective enclosures for electrical transformers, the installation of surveillance cameras in high-risk areas, and the deployment of enhanced field patrols, he added.

Abul Samen also urged citizens to actively participate in protecting public assets by reporting suspicious activities, stressing that safeguarding national infrastructure is a shared responsibility.

The Cabinet recently adopted a series of recommendations to counter such violations, including stricter enforcement of Roads Law No. 24 of 1986 and strengthening monitoring efforts by administrative governors and relevant authorities.

AMMAN — A new study by the Jordanian Network to Combat Digital Violence Against Female Journalists has found that restrictive membership criteria for the Jordan Press Association (JPA) are excluding many female journalists, particularly those working outside traditional media institutions.

The study highlighted how current regulations,  including rigid job title classifications, mandatory social security registration, and financial ties to officially recognised media outlets, disproportionately affect women in journalism, particularly freelancers and digital media professionals.

Launched in cooperation with the Canadian organisation SECDV and funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the study titled “Professional and Legal Impacts on Female Journalists Unable to Join the Jordanian Press Association” has reignited calls for reforming the JPA’s bylaws and membership requirements.

Presented during a session attended by journalists and media advocates, the findings underscored the urgent need to expand access to JPA membership, reflecting the shifting dynamics of the media sector and the rise of non-traditional journalism roles.

The report recommended amending internal regulations and trainee examination criteria, and revising the legal definitions of "journalist" under both the Press and Publications Law and the JPA Law to encompass a broader spectrum of media professionals, rather than limiting recognition solely to those formally affiliated with JPA-registered outlets.

Based on a survey of 117 female journalists working in print, broadcast, and digital media, none of whom are JPA members, the study found that many are excluded due to freelance status, unrecognised job titles, or employment at organisations that do not meet social security requirements. Others cited a lack of clarity around the membership process itself.

The consequences of exclusion are far-reaching. According to the study, the lack of union affiliation leaves female journalists legally vulnerable, limits their access to official information and prevents them from meaningfully participating in media policy discourse.

“In the context of rapidly evolving media trends and digital transitions, journalism has become a profession fraught with complex challenges, particularly for women outside formal union structures,” the Network told The Jordan Times.

Since JPA membership is a legal requirement for professional recognition, the report stated that the existing framework poses a significant obstacle to women’s full inclusion and protection within the journalism field.