Jordan's Council of Ministers Approves Key Legislative and Administrative Decisions

Strategic Insights -

The Jordanian Council of Ministers has convened on Monday and approved a series of key legislative and administrative decisions aimed at improving public services, enhancing digital transformation, supporting national infrastructure, and stimulating economic activity. These decisions include legislative approvals for e-government and legal modernisation, administrative modernisation and public sector reform, infrastructure and transport development, advancing the National Water Carrier Project, support for industry and investment, tourism sector reform, tax settlement and reconciliation, health preparedness, and key appointments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Council of Ministers approved a draft law amending the Notary Public Law of 2025, allowing notarial transactions to be completed electronically, with electronic transactions having the same legal status as paper-based ones.
  • A draft law amending the Electronic Transactions Law of 2025 was also approved, removing legal barriers to electronic service provision and granting electronic records the same legal weight as traditional documents.
  • The Administrative Organisation Bylaw of the Public Service and Administration Authority for 2025 was approved, aiming to streamline executive management and eliminate overlap within departments.
  • The rationale for a draft amendment to the Road Traffic Services Allowance Bylaw (2025) was approved, providing a legal framework to operate the Kingdom's first alternative road.
  • The National Water Carrier Project was advanced with the approval of documents and procedures necessary for its implementation.
  • Amendments to the principles governing the supply of electricity at the expense of the rural fils were approved, supporting existing and new factories by lowering production costs through subsidised electricity.
  • A legal opinion regarding income tax on mutual funds was approved, clarifying that mutual funds are not considered financial companies under the Banking Law and will be subject to a flat tax of 0.08% on share sales.
  • The amended bylaw for the Tourist Guides Association (2025) was approved, enhancing professionalism and increasing employment opportunities in the tourism sector with the removal of licensing requirements and the establishment of a digital platform.
  • Recommendations from the Settlement and Reconciliation Committee to resolve outstanding tax cases for 239 taxpayers were approved, part of the government's initiative to ease tax burdens and encourage voluntary compliance.
  • The project document for "Strengthening Epidemic Preparedness in Jordan" was approved, aiming to improve public health emergency response through coordinated efforts between ministries, civil society, and local communities.
  • Key appointments were made, including the retirement of Fadi Balawi and the appointment of Yazan Khudair as the new Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Dr Manar Lawama as Secretary-General of the Jordanian Medical Council, and Mohammed Zoubi as Secretary-General of the Prime Minister's Office.

Statistics:

  • 239 taxpayers are to benefit from the recommendations of the Settlement and Reconciliation Committee to resolve outstanding tax cases.
  • The National Water Carrier Project aims to desalinate and transport water from Aqaba to Amman.
  • The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has undergone a leadership change with the retirement of Fadi Balawi and the appointment of Yazan Khudair.
  • The Tourism Law No 9 of 2024 was amended to align with the revised bylaw for the Tourist Guides Association (2025).
  • Mutual funds are subject to a flat tax of 0.08% on share sales under the approved legal opinion.
  • The amended Electronic Transactions Law of 2025 aims to remove barriers to electronic service provision.
  • 3,145 road traffic services will be enabled under the approved draft amendment to the Road Traffic Services Allowance Bylaw (2025).

Sources:

  • The Jordan News Agency (08 Sep 2025)
  • Legislation Bureau
  • World Health Organisation (WHO)
  • UNICEF
  • The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)