ESSENTIAL ADVICE FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS IN JORDAN: YOUR RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND PERSONAL SAFETY

ESSENTIAL ADVICE FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS IN JORDAN: YOUR RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND PERSONAL SAFETY

Introduction

Coming to Jordan to work as a domestic worker can be an important step toward building a better future for yourself and your family. You may have travelled far from home to earn money, support your loved ones, provide education for your children, or achieve your personal goals.

To have a positive experience while working in Jordan, it is important to understand your rights, fulfil your responsibilities, maintain a good relationship with your employer, and protect your personal safety.

Domestic work may include cleaning the house, preparing meals, washing and ironing clothes, caring for children, and performing other household duties agreed upon with your employer.

Doing your work carefully, behaving honestly, communicating respectfully, and following appropriate safety procedures can help you build trust and maintain a good working relationship.

This article provides practical advice for domestic workers in Jordan. It covers employment rights, mobile phone use, privacy, personal safety, money management, communication with employers, and what to do if you experience difficulties.

1. Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities

When working as a domestic worker in Jordan, it is important to understand your employment contract and the laws that apply to your situation.

Before starting work, make sure you have an employment contract and understand its terms. The contract should explain the type of work you are expected to perform, your salary, payment arrangements, rest periods, and other agreed employment conditions.

Keep a copy of your contract in a safe place so that you can refer to it whenever necessary.

Keep your important documents safe, including your passport, work permit, and other relevant identification documents. If someone takes your documents or refuses to let you access them, seek advice and assistance from the appropriate authorities.

If you have questions about your salary, rest periods, working hours, or other employment conditions, do not rely on rumours or information from people who may not know the law. Seek reliable information from Jordan's Ministry of Labour or a qualified legal adviser.

Understanding your rights can help you recognise when something is wrong and take the appropriate steps to address it.

At the same time, remember that you have responsibilities. Carry out your agreed duties carefully, follow reasonable workplace safety instructions, respect the privacy of the family you work for, and communicate honestly if you encounter a problem.

2. Use Your Mobile Phone Responsibly

Your mobile phone is an important tool. It allows you to communicate with your family, access useful information, learn new skills, and seek help in an emergency.

However, using your phone responsibly is important for your safety and your working relationship with your employer.

When preparing food, using cleaning chemicals, operating electrical equipment, or caring for children, give your full attention to the task. Looking at your phone while performing activities that require concentration can lead to accidents or put others at risk.

Try to discuss mobile phone use with your employer and agree on reasonable arrangements, including appropriate times to communicate with your family.

Having an agreed time to make calls can help you stay connected with your loved ones while fulfilling your work responsibilities.

You can also use your phone during your personal time to learn Arabic, watch educational videos, improve your cleaning skills, or learn more about health and safety.

Important: The rules governing mobile phone use at work depend on the applicable Jordanian laws and the circumstances of your employment. Do not assume that phone use is always unrestricted or that it is automatically prohibited in every situation. If you have concerns about your phone access or personal communication, seek clarification from the appropriate authority.

3. Respect Your Employer's Privacy

When working inside someone's home, you may see personal information and private family matters. These may include photographs, household belongings, children's information, and other details about the family's private life.

Respecting privacy is an important part of professional domestic work.

Do not take photographs or record videos inside your employer's home without appropriate permission.

Do not share photographs or videos of your employer, their children, their home, or their personal belongings on Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, or other social media platforms without permission.

Avoid sharing the family's home address, security arrangements, or other confidential information with people who do not need to know it.

Respecting privacy helps build trust and shows that you take your responsibilities seriously.

Your privacy matters, too. If you have concerns about how your own personal information is being handled, try to discuss the matter respectfully. If the situation involves threats, abuse, or other serious concerns, seek appropriate assistance.

4. Build a Good Relationship with Your Employer

A positive working relationship is based on respect, honesty, communication, and trust.

Try to complete your assigned duties carefully and on time. If you do not understand an instruction, ask your employer to explain it rather than guessing and potentially making a mistake.

If a problem arises concerning your duties, schedule, or other employment arrangements, try to discuss it calmly and respectfully.

Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and help both sides find practical solutions.

You should also inform your employer if you are sick, injured, or unable to complete a task safely.

However, respect must be mutual. Being a domestic worker does not mean that you should accept insults, threats, physical violence, or other abusive treatment.

If you experience mistreatment, seek help from a trusted person or the appropriate authorities.

5. Protect Your Personal Safety

Your safety is extremely important.

Domestic work can involve cleaning chemicals, sharp objects, hot water, electrical appliances, and other potential hazards. Always handle these items carefully.

Before using a cleaning product, read its instructions or ask someone to explain how to use it safely.

Never mix different cleaning chemicals unless the product instructions specifically confirm that doing so is safe. Some combinations can produce dangerous gases that may seriously harm your health.

Keep cleaning products away from children and never transfer chemicals into drinking-water bottles or food containers.

When using electrical appliances, make sure your hands are dry and avoid using damaged electrical equipment.

If you become sick or injured while working, inform your employer and seek appropriate medical attention.

If you face an immediate danger, try to move to a safe location and contact the appropriate emergency services.

Do not put yourself at risk to complete a household task. If you are unsure how to perform a task safely, ask for instructions before proceeding.

6. Manage Your Money Carefully

Many domestic workers travel abroad to support their families. Managing your earnings carefully can help you achieve your financial goals.

When you receive your salary, keep a record of the amount and the date of payment. If possible, retain payment receipts or other evidence of the money you receive.

If your salary is delayed or does not match your agreed employment terms, try to clarify the situation. If the problem remains unresolved, seek advice from the appropriate authority.

When sending money to your family, use a reliable and legally authorised money-transfer service.

Keep the receipts for your transfers so that you have a record of the amounts sent.

Never share your banking passwords, verification codes, or other sensitive financial information with people who do not need it.

Be cautious if someone contacts you by phone or message and asks you to send money urgently. Verify the person's identity and the purpose of the payment before taking action.

It may also help to prepare a simple budget that separates money for family support, personal needs, savings, and unexpected expenses.

Careful financial planning can reduce stress and help you make the most of your earnings.

7. Be Careful When Using Social Media

Social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp can help you stay connected with your family and friends.

However, not everyone you meet online can be trusted.

Avoid sharing your passport photographs, work permit, bank details, home address, or other sensitive personal information with strangers.

Be cautious if someone promises you a better job, a higher salary, or easier immigration documents in exchange for money.

Do not pay an unknown person simply because they promise to solve your employment or residency problems.

Before making decisions about changing employers or altering your employment arrangements, seek reliable information about the legal requirements in Jordan.

If you receive threatening or suspicious messages, keep the evidence if it is safe to do so and seek assistance when necessary.

Remember that protecting your personal information online is an important part of protecting yourself in everyday life.

8. Do Not Stay Silent If You Experience a Problem

If you experience unpaid wages, mistreatment, threats, physical violence, or other serious problems, you should not feel that you must deal with everything alone.

Where it is safe to do so, keep a record of what happened, including dates, times, and relevant details.

Save important messages, payment records, or other evidence that may help explain your situation.

Never put yourself in danger to collect evidence.

If you feel safe discussing the matter with your employer, explain the problem calmly and clearly.

If the problem cannot be resolved, or if you are afraid for your safety, seek help from a trusted person, the relevant Jordanian authorities, or a qualified legal adviser.

If you are being threatened or abused, your immediate safety should come first.

Before leaving your job or changing your employment arrangements, try to obtain reliable advice about the legal and practical consequences. However, if you face immediate danger, move to safety and seek urgent assistance.

You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

9. Learn Arabic and Improve Your Skills

Learning basic Arabic can make everyday life in Jordan easier.

Understanding common words and phrases can help you communicate with your employer, understand household instructions, ask questions, and explain your needs.

Start by learning words related to cleaning, cooking, household equipment, time, food, and everyday activities.

You can use language-learning applications, translation tools, and educational videos on your mobile phone during your personal time.

You may also improve your professional skills by learning safe cleaning methods, food hygiene, laundry techniques, and appropriate ways to care for children.

Improving your skills can help you perform your duties more confidently and reduce misunderstandings.

Never be afraid to ask for clarification when you do not understand an instruction. Asking a question is better than making a mistake that could cause damage or create a safety risk.

10. Know Where to Seek Help in Jordan

It is important to know where to seek assistance if you experience a problem.

For questions or complaints concerning employment conditions, wages, or employment rights, you can seek information from Jordan's Ministry of Labour.

The official website is:

Jordanian Ministry of Labour:
https://www.mol.gov.jo

Use the Ministry's official website to find current contact details and information about submitting complaints or making enquiries.

Verify that any telephone numbers or contact details you use are current.

In an emergency, contact the appropriate emergency services.

If you have difficulty communicating in Arabic, ask a trusted person or a qualified interpreter to help you understand information and explain your situation accurately.

You may also seek assistance from your country's embassy or consulate in Jordan when appropriate.

Keep important contact information in a safe place, including on your phone, so you can access it when needed.

Conclusion

Working as a domestic worker in Jordan can provide an opportunity to support your family, improve your skills, and work toward a better future.

To make your experience safer and more positive, understand your rights, fulfil your responsibilities, communicate respectfully with your employer, and take care of your physical and emotional well-being.

Use your mobile phone responsibly, respect other people's privacy, protect your personal information, and manage your money carefully.

Most importantly, do not hesitate to seek help if you experience abuse, threats, unpaid wages, or other serious problems.

Remember: Respect, honesty, responsibility, personal safety, and knowledge of your rights are essential to a safer and more positive working experience in Jordan.