Amman, September 8 (Petra) – The Council of Ministers convened on Monday and approved a series of key legislative and administrative decisions aimed at improving public services, enhancing digital transformation, supporting national infrastructure and stimulating economic activity.

Legislative approvals for e-government and legal modernisation

The Cabinet approved a draft law amending the Notary Public Law of 2025, aimed at enhancing the quality of public services by allowing notarial transactions to be completed electronically, including those submitted from outside the Kingdom.

The amendment grants electronic transactions the same legal status as paper-based ones and expands the notary's jurisdiction across all governorates, irrespective of court boundaries. This aims to reduce time, cost and effort.

In tandem, the Cabinet approved a draft law amending the Electronic Transactions Law of 2025, which facilitates faster case resolution and service delivery.

The amendment removes legal barriers to electronic service provision and grants electronic records the same legal weight as traditional documents. Services such as court proceedings and notary public transactions will be among those improved.

Electronic certification issued by foreign entities will be recognised by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship under new regulations.

Both laws are part of the government's broader e-transformation programme, aimed at aligning public institutions with modern digital standards.

Administrative modernisation and public sector reform

The Cabinet approved the Administrative Organisation Bylaw of the Public Service and Administration Authority for 2025, which aims to streamline executive management, define clear roles and responsibilities and eliminate overlap within departments.

The move supports the Public Sector Development Roadmap, enhancing performance, flexibility and governance.

Infrastructure and transport development

In the transport sector, the Council approved the rationale for a draft amendment to the Road Traffic Services Allowance Bylaw (2025). The amendment provides a legal framework to operate the Kingdom's first alternative road, enabling the Ministry of Public Works and Housing to collect user fees for road maintenance and infrastructure development.

This aligns with international best practices for sustainable infrastructure funding.

Advancing the National Water Carrier Project

The Cabinet approved documents and procedures necessary to advance the National Water Carrier Project, which aims to desalinate and transport water from Aqaba to Amman.

Preparatory works such as soil testing and environmental impact assessments have been completed.

The Ministry of Water and Irrigation is progressing toward finalising land rights, energy supply agreements and securing financing in coordination with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

Next steps include selecting an independent engineering supervisor and completing negotiations related to lease and real estate agreements.

Support for industry and investment

To stimulate industrial growth, the Cabinet approved amendments to the principles governing the supply of electricity at the expense of the rural fils.

The change supports existing and new factories, particularly in industrial cities and unregulated areas, by lowering production costs through subsidised electricity.

The move is expected to boost production, create jobs and enhance competitiveness in the industrial sector.

The Council endorsed a legal opinion from the Legislation Bureau regarding income tax on mutual funds.

The decision clarifies that mutual funds are not considered financial companies under the Banking Law and are therefore not exempt under Article 8/1/4 of the Income Tax Law.

Mutual funds, nontheless, will be subject to a flat tax of 0.08% on share sales by both sellers and buyers, while dividends distributed to unit holders will remain tax-exempt.

The measure aims to encourage the development of investment funds and enhance their role in capital market growth.

Tourism sector reform

The Cabinet approved the amended bylaw for the Tourist Guides Association (2025), in line with the amended Tourism Law No 9 of 2024.

Key changes include the removal of licensing requirements, establishment of rules for branch openings and the development of an electronic platform to provide public access to tourist guide data.

The board structure has been reformed to ensure equitable representation among different guide categories, with limits on consecutive terms for the chairperson and provisions for electronic meetings.

The amendments aim to enhance professionalism, increase visibility for guides and boost employment opportunities in the tourism sector.

Tax settlement and reconciliation

The Council approved recommendations from the Settlement and Reconciliation Committee to resolve outstanding tax cases for 239 taxpayers, in accordance with the Income Tax and General Sales Tax laws.

This effort is part of the government's initiative to ease tax burdens and encourage voluntary compliance.

Health preparedness

The Cabinet approved the project document for "Strengthening Epidemic Preparedness in Jordan", funded by the Pandemic Preparedness and Response Fund and implemented in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The initiative aims to improve public health emergency response through coordinated efforts between ministries, civil society and local communities.

Key appointments

Fadi Balawi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, was referred to retirement.

Yazan Khudair was appointed as the new Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism.

Dr Manar Lawama was appointed Secretary-General of the Jordanian Medical Council, following her top score in a competitive selection process under the Government Leadership System.

Mohammed Zoubi, advisor to the Prime Minister, was appointed Secretary-General of the Prime Minister's Office.

//Petra// AK

08/09/2025 20:07:08