Amman, July 5 (Petra) -- Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Sunday directed the government to fast-track a draft regulation governing ministerial conduct to prevent conflicts of interest, safeguard ministerial neutrality and strengthen integrity and transparency in public office.

Chairing a Cabinet meeting, Hassan instructed that the regulation be granted expedited status. It will establish a legal framework to prevent ministers from pursuing personal gains or securing direct or indirect benefits for themselves or their relatives.

The draft regulation will introduce legal mechanisms governing public tenders and oversight procedures to prevent conflicts of interest involving ministers.

It will set binding rules governing ministers' dealings with entities and institutions that conduct business with the government, including through projects, tenders and procurement processes.

The regulation will prohibit ministers from exploiting confidential information obtained through their official positions for personal or family benefit.

The proposed rules reinforce constitutional provisions that prohibit ministers, while in office, from purchasing or leasing state property, even through public auction.

Ministers are barred from serving on company boards, engaging in commercial or financial activities or receiving salaries from private companies.

The Prime Minister instructed the Minister of Justice, who chairs the Ministerial Legal Committee, to review legislation and regulations governing the professional neutrality of all public sector employees to strengthen integrity, transparency, accountability and good governance across the public service.

Judicial digital transformation The Cabinet approved the 2026 Law on the Use of Electronic Means in Judicial Procedures at Sharia Courts, aimed at modernising judicial services and supporting the government's digital transformation agenda.

The law establishes a legal framework for conducting judicial procedures electronically, including filing lawsuits, applications, pleadings, memoranda and statements, as well as notifications, correspondence and witness testimony.

Virtual attendance in judicial proceedings will carry the same legal effect as physical attendance, while ensuring privacy, confidentiality and data protection.

The law authorises electronic service of judicial notifications through the government's Sanad application, text messages, email and addresses registered with the national digital authentication system.

Judicial inspection reforms The Cabinet approved the justifications for the 2026 Judicial Inspection System for Regular Courts and Their Subordinate Departments, referring the draft to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau.

The proposed system seeks to enhance the efficiency, speed, quality, transparency and fairness of judicial oversight by reorganising the Judicial Inspection Authority and redefining its responsibilities.

Among its provisions, inspecting judges must hold a higher judicial rank than the judges they evaluate.

The reforms introduce updated performance assessment criteria covering technical competence, professional conduct and skills, while strengthening governance, judicial ethics, training and capacity building.

The system regulates complaint procedures and expands judicial oversight to include administrative and judicial courts, with the aim of improving litigation procedures and ensuring fair trials.

Judicial Institute reforms The Cabinet approved amendments to the 2026 Jordanian Judicial Institute Bylaw, referring the draft to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau.

The amendments would introduce postgraduate programmes, including a Master's degree in Judicial and Legal Studies, in partnership with Jordanian public universities and accredited international institutions.

The reforms expand eligibility for the institute's training programs to include a broader range of justice sector employees.

Admission standards will be raised, requiring applicants to achieve at least 80% in the General Secondary Education Certificate Examination and a "very good" university average to attract high-achieving candidates.

The amendments establish a new Judicial Assistant position within the Judicial Council Secretariat to provide graduates of the Judicial Studies Diploma with a structured career path before appointment as judges.

Trainee judges The Cabinet likewise endorsed amendments to the 2026 Regulations Governing the Work of Trainee Judges, referring the draft for legal review.

The proposed changes expand the practical responsibilities of trainee judges under judicial supervision, allowing them to represent the Public Prosecution before courts of first instance and conduct inspections and expert assessments where authorised.

The reforms aim to strengthen practical training through a "learning by doing" approach, while improving monitoring, evaluation and professional development.

Healthcare licensing.

The Cabinet approved amendments to the 2026 regulations governing the renewal of healthcare professionals' licenses.

The changes authorise the Minister of Health to extend renewal deadlines when necessary, allowing practitioners additional time to complete licensing requirements while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services.

The amendments are intended to improve flexibility, enhance stability in the healthcare sector and enable professionals to regularise their status in accordance with the Public Health Law.

Construction sector support The Cabinet approved amendments to the 2026 Amman Building and Zoning Regulations, aimed at stimulating the construction sector, supporting investment and simplifying licensing procedures.

The amendments were developed following consultations with stakeholders, including the Housing Investors Association, the Engineering Offices Association and the Jordan Engineers Association and extend various procedural deadlines to facilitate building permits.

Administrative reforms The Cabinet approved amendments to the 2026 Administrative Organisation Bylaw of the Ministry of Political and Parliamentary Affairs, designed to modernise the ministry's organisational structure and improve institutional performance.

Other decisions Separately, the Cabinet decided to extend the postponement of municipal council and Greater Amman Municipality elections for an additional six months, pending parliamentary approval of the new Local Administration Law during the extraordinary parliamentary session scheduled to begin on July 12.

The Cabinet appointed Ahmed Assasleh as Director General of the Maritime Authority after he ranked first in the government's competitive leadership selection process.

The Cabinet decided to terminate the services of Ibrahim Rawashdeh as Director General of the National Centre for Agricultural Research.

//Petra// AK