What Is the Jordanian Social Security System?
The Jordanian Social Security Corporation (SSC) is responsible for administering the social security system in Jordan. The system is designed to provide protection to workers and their families in case of disability, illness, old age, or death. Social security in Jordan includes various programs such as pension plans, disability insurance, medical insurance, and unemployment benefits.
For foreigners living and working in Jordan, the social security system provides essential coverage and ensures that employees have access to healthcare and financial support when needed. While the social security system was initially designed to serve Jordanian citizens, foreigners can also benefit from this system under certain conditions.
Can Foreigners Register for Social Security in Jordan?
Yes, foreigners who are employed in Jordan are required to register for social security and contribute to the system. This includes expatriates working for Jordanian employers, as well as foreign workers employed by private companies, government entities, or international organizations in Jordan. In fact, registering for social security is a legal requirement for all foreign workers in Jordan who are employed under a formal contract.
Foreigners who meet the criteria for registration must make contributions to the social security system in exchange for benefits. The amount of contribution depends on the worker’s salary and the type of employment. Employers are also obligated to contribute a percentage of the employee’s salary to the social security system, making it a shared responsibility between the employer and the employee.
How Can Foreigners Register for Social Security in Jordan?
The process of registering for social security in Jordan is straightforward, but it requires a few essential steps. Foreigners working in Jordan need to ensure that their employer is complying with the social security regulations and is providing the necessary documentation for registration. Below are the general steps for foreigners to register in the social security system:
- Obtain a Work Permit and Residency Visa: Before registering for social security, foreigners must have a valid work permit and residency visa in Jordan. These documents are essential for formalizing employment and making the necessary legal contributions to the system.
- Employer Registration: Employers in Jordan are responsible for registering their employees with the Social Security Corporation. This includes submitting the employee’s personal details and employment information to the SSC. The employer must also ensure that social security contributions are made on behalf of the employee.
- Registering with the Social Security Corporation (SSC): Once an employee’s details are submitted by the employer, the foreign worker is officially registered with the SSC. The registration process includes obtaining a unique social security number, which will be used for all future claims and transactions related to social security.
- Payment of Contributions: Both the employee and the employer are required to make regular contributions to the social security system. The employee’s contribution is typically deducted directly from their salary, while the employer makes an additional contribution based on the employee’s wage.
- Receiving Social Security Benefits: After completing the registration and contributing to the system, foreign workers become eligible for social security benefits. These benefits include healthcare, pensions, and other social services. To access these benefits, employees must follow the specific procedures set by the SSC.
What Are the Benefits of Social Security for Foreigners in Jordan?
Once registered with the Social Security Corporation, foreign workers in Jordan become eligible for a variety of benefits that provide financial protection and healthcare coverage. Some of the key benefits of the Jordanian social security system for foreigners include:
- Healthcare Coverage: One of the primary benefits of social security in Jordan is access to healthcare. Foreigners who are registered with the SSC are entitled to medical insurance coverage, which includes visits to doctors, hospitalization, and surgeries. This coverage extends to both the employee and their dependents (spouse and children), ensuring that they have access to quality medical services.
- Pension Benefits: The social security system provides pension benefits for employees who have worked in Jordan for a certain period. Foreigners who contribute to the social security system are entitled to a pension upon retirement, similar to the benefits available to Jordanian citizens. The pension amount depends on the length of employment and the amount of contributions made during the worker’s career.
- Disability and Accident Benefits: Foreign workers who experience a work-related injury or illness are eligible for disability benefits. The social security system offers compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and temporary or permanent disability. These benefits ensure that workers are financially supported if they are unable to work due to health reasons.
- Unemployment Benefits: In cases where a foreign worker loses their job involuntarily, they may be eligible for unemployment benefits through the social security system. This includes temporary financial assistance while the worker seeks new employment. The amount of unemployment benefits is determined based on the worker’s previous salary and contribution history.
- Death and Survivor Benefits: In the unfortunate event of the death of a foreign worker, the social security system provides survivor benefits to the deceased worker’s dependents. This can include funeral expenses and monthly payments to the worker’s family members, ensuring they are financially supported during a difficult time.
- Family and Maternity Benefits: The social security system also provides support for family-related matters, including maternity benefits for female workers. This allows foreign women in Jordan to take maternity leave and receive financial support during their leave, ensuring they can care for their newborn child without worrying about income loss.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Jordanian social security system provides important benefits to foreigners living and working in the country. While registration for social security is mandatory for foreign employees, it offers numerous advantages, including healthcare coverage, pensions, disability benefits, and unemployment support. By registering for social security, foreigners can ensure they have access to essential services and financial protection during their time in Jordan. Employers and employees alike should be aware of their responsibilities and rights under the system, ensuring that both parties contribute to a system that benefits workers and their families.
Foreigners who wish to enjoy the full range of benefits offered by the Jordanian social security system must ensure that they are properly registered, make regular contributions, and follow the necessary procedures for claiming benefits when needed. In this way, they can enjoy a safer and more secure living experience in Jordan.
M. Rami Maki
Business Consultant