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AMMAN — Minister of Government Communications Mohammed Momani on Sunday underscored the need to enhance communication efforts regarding the refugee issue in the coming period.

Following a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative in Jordan Maria Stafropoulou,  Momani highlighted the Kingdom’s steadfast humanitarian approach since the arrival of the first Syrian refugees. 

He also noted that Jordan has consistently provided both aid and security, reflecting its deeply rooted values and the wisdom of its leadership, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Momani also further emphasised that the unwavering support of Jordanians underscores the nation’s commitment to humanitarian principles.

Momani reaffirmed Jordan’s continued support for Syria amid its ongoing challenges, stressing the Kingdom’s dedication to assisting Syria in rebuilding its institutions and achieving stability. 

He said, "This aligns with Jordan’s national interests by fostering a secure environment that facilitates the voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their homeland."

AMMAN — The Ministry of Labour on Sunday said that, starting April 1, any non-Jordanian student found working illegally will face deportation, regardless of circumstances.

Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Zyoud noted that coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has ensured that all public and private universities, as well as community colleges, are informed that non-Jordanian students are prohibited from working under Jordanian labour laws, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Since early 2025, joint inspection campaigns with the Ministry of Interior and the Public Security Directorate have identified numerous university students of various nationalities working in violation of the law, he said.

Zyoud stressed that foreign students are permitted entry to Jordan solely for academic purposes and must not engage in employment. Employers hiring non-Jordanian students illegally will face fines of no less than JD800 per violation. He added that inspection campaigns will continue to ensure compliance with labour laws and address violations involving unauthorized foreign workers.

AMMAN — The National Cyber Security Centre has reported a 51 per cent drop in "serious" cyber security incidents in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared with the previous quarter.

The centre said that 1,457 cyber security incidents were recorded in Q4 2024. Of these, 1 per cent were classified as serious, 9 per cent as low risk, and 90 per cent as medium risk. No "critical" incidents were reported during this period, Al Mamlaka TV reported.

In its assessment of cyber vulnerabilities in the government sector, the centre reviewed 115 institutions. Vulnerabilities on their main websites were categorised as 7 per cent critical, 35 per cent high risk, and 58 per cent medium risk. Additionally, 10 per cent of institutions had critical vulnerabilities, while 35 per cent faced high-risk threats.

The centre highlighted emerging cyber security challenges in the last quarter of 2024, including a rise in ransomware attacks, cyber threats linked to regional conflicts, and hacking campaigns aimed at spreading misinformation and influencing public opinion.

Under Jordanian law, cyber security encompasses measures to protect systems, networks, and critical infrastructure from cyber incidents, ensuring resilience against unauthorised access, misuse, and security breaches.

The National Cyber Security Centre is responsible for developing and regulating Jordan’s cyber security framework, protecting national assets, ensuring operational continuity, and defending against cyber threats.

AMMAN — Gold prices in Jordan’s local market have remained stable since Thursday, yet consumers continue to voice frustration over persistently high prices, according to the General Syndicate of Owners of Trade and Jewellery Shops.

The price of 21-karat gold, the most commonly traded in the local market, stood at JD60.5 per gramme for sale at jewellery stores, while the purchase price was set at JD58.5 per gramme. Meanwhile, 24-karat gold was priced at JD69.3 per gram, and 18-karat gold at JD53.7 per gramme.

Despite gold’s cultural significance, especially for weddings and special occasions, and its reputation as a secure investment, rising costs have made it increasingly difficult for many Jordanians to afford.

“I have been saving for my wedding jewellery, but the prices are simply too high. What used to be a reasonable budget is no longer enough,” said Maha Ali, a bride-to-be.

Abu Qusi, a retired employee, echoed similar concerns, saying, “I used to buy gold as a long-term saving plan, but now even a few grammes are expensive. It’s no longer an accessible investment.”

Jewellers attribute the soaring prices to fluctuations in global markets, inflation, and economic uncertainty. Many expect gold prices to remain elevated in the short term, with potential adjustments based on international trading trends.

AMMAN — The Court of Cassation has upheld an August 2022 State Security Court (SSC) ruling, sentencing a drug dealer to over three years in prison after convicting him of possessing illegal narcotics in Amman in May 2022.

The court declared the defendant guilty of obtaining illegal narcotics with the intent of selling the drugs to an undercover agent in Amman on May 19.

The SSC handed the defendant five years in prison for the offence of possessing illegal narcotics and ordered him to pay JD5,000 in fines.

However, the court decided to reduce the fine to JD3,500 and the prison term to three years and four months in prison to give the defendant a second chance in life.

Court documents said the Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) learnt the defendant was in possession of illegal narcotics and sent one of its agents to pose as a buyer.

“The AND agent got in touch with the defendant and asked him for dozens of Captagon pills and Hashish in return for JD370,” court documents said.

When the two met, AND agents immediately arrested the suspect, court papers added.   

The officers escorted the defendant to his house where they found an additional amount of illegal narcotics, the court added. 

The defendant contested the SSC’s ruling through his lawyer, who argued that the court “did not provide solid evidence to implicate his client”.

The lawyer claimed that there were irregularities in the investigation procedures.

Meanwhile, the SSC prosecution office asked the higher court to uphold the sentence and the fine imposed on the defendant.

The higher court maintained that the SSC had followed the proper procedures in issuing the sentence against the defendant.

“It was clear to the court that the defendant confessed willingly to possessing the illegal drugs to sell in the local market,” the higher court said.

The Court of Cassation judges were Yassin Abdullat, Nayef Samarat, Mohammad Khashashneh, Qassem Dughmi and Hammad Ghzawi.

AMMAN — On the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Director of the Human Rights Unit at the Prime Minister Office Khalil Abdalat highlighted the urgent need to confront hate speech and extremism while fostering justice, tolerance, and mutual respect.

"As discrimination against Muslims continues to rise globally, we must strengthen international cooperation to safeguard fundamental rights for all people, regardless of their faith or cultural heritage," Abdallat told the Jordan News Agency, Petra, in an interview.

Abdallat highlighted the pivotal role of Jordan's Hashemite leadership, particularly His Majesty King Abdullah, in championing Islam's authentic image as a religion of compassion, tolerance, and justice.

He pointed to the landmark Amman Message of 2004 as a cornerstone initiative that clarified Islam's core principles, rejected extremism, and promoted Muslim unity while respecting intellectual and religious diversity.

"Under His Majesty's guidance, Jordan has established a steadfast approach to fighting hatred and intolerance," said Abdallat. 

"We've cultivated a culture of dialogue and openness that reflects Islamic principles that naturally align with international human rights frameworks," he added.

Jordan's policies actively protect religious and intellectual pluralism while countering extremist ideologies through initiatives that reinforce moderation and peaceful coexistence, Abdallat said. 

The Kingdom's historic role in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem further demonstrates the Hashemite commitment to religious respect and justice, he highlighted.

"Islam fundamentally highlights human equality and dignity," Abdallat explained, quoting from the Amman Message: "Justice is the foundation of governance in Islam, encompassing fairness for all without exception, based on equality before the law and respect for human rights."

He stressed that confronting Islamophobia extends beyond protecting Muslims from discrimination it represents part of a broader global responsibility to combat all forms of hatred and extremism while building bridges of understanding between diverse communities.

Abdallat concluded by calling for unified international action against hatred and for the advancement of shared human values, suggesting the Hashemite approach as a model for defending human rights and establishing principles that foster peaceful, harmonious societies.

AMMAN — The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research on Sunday announced that the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) has allocated JD9 million to support the "Smart Education" project in Jordanian public universities.

Ministry Secretary-General Mamoun Dabai said that the project aims to transition the education system into a digital environment, enhancing learning efficiency and ensuring high-quality educational resources for students and academic institutions. 

It will also facilitate the exchange of modern educational tools among universities, granting students access to advanced scientific knowledge.

As part of efforts to secure this funding, the ministry has initiated an implementation plan, holding discussions with officials from the Chinese embassy in Amman and consulting universities to assess their needs. 

A technical feasibility study is also underway to refine the project's execution strategy.

AMMAN — The Senate Labour and Social Development Committee, chaired by Senator Issa Murad, on Sunday approved a draft law amending the Labour Law, as submitted by the Lower House, with certain amendments. 

The meeting was attended by Minister of Labour Khaled Bakkar, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Murad said that the draft law introduces key regulatory measures aimed at balancing employer-employee relations, commending the Ministry of Labour's efforts to regulate migrant workers in the labour market.

The amendments unify the medical reference for work-related injuries, classify occupational diseases as work-related injuries, and extend work-related injury provisions to workers not covered by social security.

The draft law also reorganises the employment regulations for migrant workers and outlines measures against those who violate employment terms. 

It also enhances protections for working women, including extended maternity leave and safeguards for workers’ rights to sick leave.