Ammon News - AMMAN (Petra) — Labour Minister Nidal Katamine on Sunday evening visited different work places and inquired about means to increase the numbers of Jordanian employees, especially at malls and fuel stations.

During a tour that covered several malls and restaurants in the capital to check on the conditions of Jordanian workers, Katamine told business owners that the ministry will take tough measures against anyone who violates the Labour Law.

He said the ministry will soon announce a large package of operational projects and programmes to reduce unemployment, especially among young job seekers.

Katamine also stressed the importance of hiring Jordanians at malls, restaurants and fuel stations after they receive the necessary training.

“Young people are more capable of working under pressure,” he said, emphasising the need to offer incentives to encourage Jordanians to work and to motivate them.

The minister said legal guest workers are welcome to work in the country, in accordance with labour regulations, adding that inspection campaigns target those who are in violation of the law, no matter what their nationality is or who they work for.

The ministry will set a specific percentage for guest workers allowed to work in certain sectors, he noted, in order to give priority for Jordanian workers.

During his tour of malls and restaurants, Katamine spoke to several Jordanian employees and inquired about their salaries and fringe benefits.

Ahmad, a trainee at a restaurant, said he was receiving JD250 a month, besides tips that amount to JD100 every month. Ahmad did not complete high school, but participated in a training course at a tourism institute.

Another Jordanian, who has a disability, told Katamine that he has been working like any other employee, adding that he is receiving a good salary.

The minister urged Jordanians, especially those who receive national aid, to join the ranks of workers, noting that getting a job will not affect the assistance they receive.