Doha: HE Minister of Labor of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Khaled Al Bakkar affirmed that the Qatari labor market is distinguished by job security, a safe working environment, and the highest standards of occupational safety.

According to Qatar News Agency, in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the Sixth Islamic Conference of Labor Ministers held in Doha, His Excellency emphasized the critical timing of the conference, calling for the exchange of experiences and lessons learned across Arab and Islamic countries. The aim, he noted, is to build on successful models and assess future needs to equip youth in Islamic nations with the skills required for local, regional, and global labor markets.

HE the Jordanian Labor Minister highlighted Qatar’s ongoing role in hosting major international events and its significant contribution to promoting peace regionally and globally. He added that the conference offers a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to convene, exchange ideas, and benefit from shared expertise amid the rapid digital and technological transformations shaping today’s world.

On bilateral cooperation, His Excellency noted that Jordan maintains high-level coordination with Qatar across political, economic, and other domains, with ongoing communication between the leaderships of both countries. This, he said, places a responsibility on governments to translate these strong ties into tangible programs and collaborative initiatives.

His Excellency highlighted the exchange of expertise between the two nations, with Jordanian professionals contributing to Qatar’s labor market and Qatari investments and specialized skills operating through leading companies in Jordan. This, he said, provides fertile ground for expanding cooperation, particularly in labor exchange and vocational training to prepare youth for evolving job market demands.

His Excellency pointed out that Qatar has made significant strides in automation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, describing these advancements as crucial. He cited studies indicating that over half of current jobs may gradually disappear, giving way to new roles aligned with future labor market needs.

He praised Qatar’s labor market for its job security, safe environment, and high safety standards. Feedback from Jordan’s Ministry of Labor confirms that all Jordanian workers in Qatar operate under a modern legislative framework that protects both employee and employer rights in a balanced manner. He stated that the rule of law in Qatar is decisive, with legislation safeguarding everyone’s rights, creating a safe and attractive work environment for talent and creativity.

His Excellency also highlighted the appreciation of the Jordanian people for the initiative of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in launching the Qatar Jobs Platform to attract Jordanian talent and open employment opportunities in Qatar. The joint platform has provided around 20,000 job opportunities in recent years, with ongoing discussions to expand its scope and attract more Jordanian professionals to contribute to Qatar’s workforce.

Al Bakkar noted that around 6,500 Jordanians specializing in technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence are currently registered on the platform and ready to join Qatar labor market. He spoke about the key challenges facing the Jordanian labor market, noting that Jordan has built a strong and high-quality education system. However, this strength in education poses a challenge to the Jordanian economy, which continues to experience modest growth rates.

Al Bakkar explained that Jordan’s geopolitical position has exposed its economy to difficulties in both medium- and long-term planning, as the Kingdom receives waves of refugees nearly every decade. Jordan has long served as a refuge for its Arab neighbors seeking safety and stability, creating competition over the limited job opportunities available within the national economy.

He pointed out that around one million jobs in Jordan are currently held by non-Jordanians, while unemployment remains high among local talent. Among the challenges facing Jordan’s labor market, he noted, are the high costs of vocational training and youth skill development, which require large budgets amid the current pressures on public finances.

In conclusion, Khaled Al Bakkar stressed that the sixth session of Islamic Conference of Labor Ministers in Doha provides an important opportunity to discuss a range of key issues, including vocational training and the major challenges facing both Arab and Islamic labor markets, while commending Qatar’s efforts in hosting such important events.