Offering migrant workers social security coverage is big mistake — JFA

AMMAN — A Social Security Law, issued in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, has stipulated the addition of agriculture sector workers — exceeding three at any enterprise — into the social security system, aggravating small farmers and adding financial burdens on an already suffering sector, according to the head of the Jordan Farmers Association (JFA).اضافة اعلان

JFA head Ibrahim Al-Sharif described the new bylaw as only intended to levy fees on farmers. He said that in 2020, the labor ministry imposed on farmers the requirement to include migrant workers in social security subscription, “which only added more expenses on farmers who are already overburdened with the high cost of water, energy, electricity, materials, and agricultural machinery, among others.”

According to Sharif, the social security deduction on farmers stands at 2 percent, “which can be affordable,” but he pointed out that the percentage will increase by 2023, reaching 21 percent, “meaning that one migrant worker will cost a farmer an additional JD600 on average annually.” 
 
Sharif believes that providing migrant workers with benefits and social security pension on equal footing with Jordanians “is a big mistake” as it would encourage migrant workers to remain in the Kingdom for many years, “if not forever”, thus creating multiple problems; social, political, and economic.  He said the decision would lead to migrant workers settling in Jordan indefinitely with their families, “and this would have an adverse effect on Jordanian farm workers.”

Egyptian worker Ahmad Saeed views the bylaw as not in his favor, as he does not plan to stay in Jordan for long. “We do not really benefit from this decision, except to lose money,” suggesting that the relevant authorities make social security subscription an optional decision for workers. 

Ministry of Labor spokesperson Mohammad Zyoud defended the bylaw as a means to regulate the labor market, protect workers and encourage Jordanians to work in farming. “There should be no discrimination in the rights of Jordanians and non-Jordanians working in the same sector, regardless of their nationalities,” he said.

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