Policy Brief for Decision Makers: Unemployment and Its Recommendations Between the Investment Law and the Labor Law

By: Alaa Al-Jabali — Member of Safe Political Youth Space (Rif Youth Space)

Unemployment today is one of the biggest challenges facing Jordanian youth. It is not just a set of static numbers or dry statistics, but a living reality experienced daily by our young people. It affects their future and dreams and leaves deep marks on society as a whole. This crisis is neither new nor recent; it has persisted for decades, impacting the youth of rural areas and less fortunate governorates, who continue to suffer to this day.

Ajloun Governorate, in particular, is witnessing a noticeable rise in unemployment rates due to the absence of fair distribution of job opportunities and development. Additionally, investments remain weak compared to its natural capabilities and advantages. This raises important questions: What is the role of the Investment Law in addressing this crisis? And why does Ajloun still suffer from a lack of developmental and investment projects despite its tourism, agricultural, and environmental assets?

Unemployment threatens not only economic stability but also has social and psychological consequences, turning into a collective problem that requires fair solutions and serious reforms. These reforms should reshape national policies and focus more on less privileged governorates.

Future Policies and Plans:
How do economic growth plans impact job opportunities? What reforms and legislations is the government adopting to reduce unemployment? Structural challenges, especially the obstacles facing policy implementation, lie mainly in weak legislation and enforcement mechanisms.

Involving and empowering youth today contributes effectively to formulating labor policies, making them part of the solution instead of remaining part of the problem. Establishing permanent youth dialogue platforms with decision-makers and engaging youth in policy formulation through specialized advisory teams are essential steps forward.

In addition to regional and internal challenges affecting the economic conditions both regionally and locally, these factors influence the success of reform policies in the labor sector today.

Reconsidering the Investment Law to enhance special incentives for Ajloun is crucial, particularly in the tourism and agriculture sectors. This includes offering tax exemptions and administrative facilitation for investors, as well as supporting sustainable projects that capitalize on the governorate’s comparative advantages.

Moreover, activating the Local Administration Law to ensure the investment of 40% of the governorates’ budgets in real developmental projects is essential. Clear mechanisms should be established to prioritize these projects and monitor their implementation transparently.

Supporting community initiatives, entrepreneurial programs, and training—especially in rural areas—is vital. Promoting Ajloun as an investment hub through media campaigns that highlight its natural, touristic, and agricultural assets is also necessary. Additionally, improving infrastructure and providing services that facilitate investment will contribute significantly to economic growth.

Conclusion
Addressing unemployment requires a comprehensive vision that integrates legislation and implementation, investment and local administration, as well as the efforts of both the state and society. The youth of Ajloun today are not merely passive recipients of decisions; they are a real force capable of leading change and shaping the future—if given the opportunity and included in positions of influence and decision-making. Youth are the energy and wealth of the nation, and through their willpower, challenges can be transformed into opportunities, enabling them to truly become decision-makers and architects of reform.