Amman, Feb 4 (Petra) – Lower House deputies tackled a host of key local issues on Wednesday during an oversight session attended by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and members of the government team.

During the oversight meeting in the second ordinary session, lawmakers aired queries to the government related to tourism, municipalities, agriculture, transport, and health sectors.

MP Haitham Zayadin addressed a question on ride-hailing companies, the nationality of owners, and the number of vehicles operating through apps.

He also pointed to a lack of a cap on deductions from drivers' earnings, which could reach 35% of daily income, noting about 60,000 drivers in the sector and urging their inclusion in social security.

Transport Minister Nidal Qatamin spoke about the system regulating passenger transport using smart applications, which came to address gaps in the old system and promote competitiveness through opening new markets.

He pointed to ongoing cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship to block regulators or services outside the established framework, which protects the rights of people, drivers, and companies. He also clarified that the operational lifespan of vehicles using ride-hailing apps has been set at seven years.

Qatamin said 12 companies had received initial approvals in the sector, confirming that the system will be activated soon. He also said that there is cooperation with the Ministry of Labor to include sector drivers under social security.

Other queries pertained to upgrading and promoting tourist landmarks in Karak, barley importation, health insurance for Jordan Post Company employees, and the indiscriminate felling of forest trees and its serious environmental impact, among others.

The house deferred other matters to the next oversight session.

//Petra//SS