Cabinet Approves Mandatory Military Service Amendments, Vocational Training, Data Protection, And Investment Initiatives

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, August 20 (Petra) – The Cabinet, chaired Wednesday by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, approved key measures covering mandatory military service, vocational training and skills development, personal data protection, medicinal plant regulation, and investment projects.
National Military Service Law Amendments
The Cabinet approved the rationale for a draft amendment to the 2025 National Military Service and Reserve Duty Law, to be submitted to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau for formal issuance. The draft has been granted urgency status and is scheduled for presentation at the next parliamentary session.
The decision follows Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II's announcement to reactivate the national mandatory military service. The Prime Minister highlighted that the government will coordinate with the Jordanian Armed Forces – Arab Army to implement the program starting February 2026, with funding allocated from this year's emergency budget and the 2026 national budget.
The draft law updates legal provisions, including approved deferment cases for instance, residents abroad who return to service once deferrals end. It also allows the Armed Forces to provide training programs in military centers and institutes, which may count toward university study requirements under Cabinet guidelines. The draft eliminates provisions granting employment priority in public and private sectors to those completing national service.
Vocational and Technical Training Bylaw
The Cabinet approved the 2025 Bylaw establishing the Vocational and Technical Education and Skills Development Support Fund. The bylaw aims to expand employment opportunities, support technical and vocational training, and finance production branches in rural and remote areas, in line with directives from King Abdullah II. Government support covers 50% of the minimum wage, social security contributions, and transport allowances.
To date, the Fund has created nearly 10,000 jobs, 95% of which benefited women in rural areas. Plans are underway to establish 8–10 new production branches over the next two years, providing an estimated 4,000–5,000 jobs. The Fund also supports youth training programs in the private sector and links institutions with job seekers to provide market-ready skills.
Personal Data Rights Bylaw and Medicinal Plant Regulation
The Cabinet approved the 2025 Bylaw regulating personal data rights, detailing procedures for consent, data processing, withdrawal, and complaint handling. The regulation strengthens protections for individuals and builds trust in digital commerce.
It also approved the rationale for a draft amendment to the 2025 Bylaw on medicinal plants, aligning with scientific and technological advances, promoting investment in medical, pharmaceutical, and scientific applications, and ensuring proper use for human health and safety.
Tourism, Investment, and Energy Projects
The Cabinet authorized the Jordanian Free Zones and Development Areas Group to complete financing for projects in Ajloun and the Dead Sea in 2025, including infrastructure for Ajloun National Park, a visitor center, public beach development, and facility rehabilitation.
It also approved a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and China's United Energy Group for feasibility studies on a green hydrogen project, focusing on green methanol production to attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen Jordan as a regional renewable energy hub.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the settlement of 419 pending cases between taxpayers and the Income and Sales Tax Department under the law.
Administrative Appointment
Jamal Qutaishat, previously Secretary-General for Administrative and Financial Affairs at the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, was appointed Secretary-General for Technical Affairs.

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