Government of Jordan and ILO sign letter of intent for immediate and long-term support to advance decent work in the garment sector

AMMAN/BEIRUT (ILO News) – The Government of the Kingdom of Jordan, represented by the Ministry of Labour, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have signed a Letter of Intent to activate immediate transitional technical cooperation and initiate an 18-month development cooperation programme to support decent work in Jordan’s garment sector. The Letter records the parties’ intention to cooperate on an interim basis while a definitive longer-term development cooperation programme is finalized.

The Letter follows the Government of Jordan’s request for ILO technical support to strengthen labour governance, worker protection and sustainable compliance in the garment sector. The Government has earmarked financial resources for the cooperation initiative, and coordinated with employers, workers’ organizations and relevant national institutions on the initiative’s framework.

The immediate three-month programme will begin in July 2026 and run in parallel with the longer-term programme that will be implemented from August 2026 to January 2028 and support stronger workplace compliance, labour inspection, forced labour prevention and remediation, fair recruitment, migrant worker protection, access to remedy and social dialogue across the garment sector.

Under the immediate intervention, the ILO will support national efforts to strengthen worker grievance mechanisms, reinforce a worker welfare and support centre, build the capacity of the workers organizations, support a risk-based labour inspection initiative, and assist the Ministry of Labour in establishing a national coordination mechanism. The measures also include support to the Ministry of Labour’s Himaya complaint and referral platform, engagement with stakeholders including development partners and civil society organizations, review of recruitment and labour migration practices, dissemination of knowledge products and tools on forced labour prevention, structured dialogue with international buyers, and assessment of forced labour risks with a view to designing an early-warning mechanism for the sector.

Within this interim technical cooperation programme, particular attention will be given to supporting the Government's response to the situation regarding the two factories affected by the Withhold Release Orders recently issued by the United States Customs and Border Protection, including through targeted technical assistance aimed at strengthening remediation processes, corrective measures, and prevention efforts, while reinforcing the institutional systems and practices needed to identify, address, and mitigate labour rights risks and promote sustainable compliance with international labour standards. Such support may include, as appropriate, engagement with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the application of labour standards, improve labour governance mechanisms, and support effective prevention and remediation approaches in the garment sector.

These immediate measures are intended to provide coordinated and systems-based technical assistance on a transitional basis, while laying the groundwork for a broader, longer-term development cooperation programme entitled “Advancing better working conditions in Jordan's Garment Sector.”

Minister of Labour of Jordan H.E. Prof. Nidal Katamine said the signing of the Letter of Intent reflects the Government’s firm commitment to act swiftly, transparently and in partnership with all concerned stakeholders to safeguard workers’ rights and preserve confidence in Jordan’s garment sector. “Jordan has built a strong record of cooperation with the ILO and its social partners, and we are determined to address current challenges in the garment sector with the seriousness and responsibility they require,” he said. “Through this cooperation programme, the Government will continue to lead a coordinated national effort that protects workers, supports enterprises in meeting their obligations, and reinforces Jordan’s position as a responsible and reliable sourcing destination.”

ILO Regional Director for Arab States Dr. Ruba Jaradat welcomed the Government of Jordan’s initiative and reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to supporting national institutions and social partners. “The ILO values the Government of Jordan’s proactive engagement and its readiness to take concrete measures to strengthen decent work in the garment sector,” she said. “This cooperation provides an important opportunity to proactively advance decent work in the sector while investing in stronger systems for labour inspection, fair recruitment, grievance handling, social dialogue and access to remedy. The ILO stands ready to work with the Government, employers and workers of Jordan to advance labour protection systems and strengthen the long-term resilience of the sector.”

The cooperation builds on Jordan’s longstanding partnership with the ILO and is aligned with the Decent Work Country Programme for Jordan 2026-2027.

Salwa Kanaana

Regional Communications and Public Information Coordinator

International Labour Organization
[email protected]