Amman, April 19 (Petra) – The Cabinet approved a series of draft regulations and legislative amendments aimed at enhancing the investment climate, strengthening public services and advancing digital and institutional development.

In a Sunday session, the Cabinet approved the justifications for a draft amendment to the Investment Environment Regulation for 2026, referring it to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau to proceed with issuance in line with established procedures.

The amendment falls as part of the executive programme of the Economic Modernisation Vision and reflects a broader government effort to modernise investment-related legislation, enhance policy stability and boost confidence in the business environment.

It aims to attract investment by eliminating overlapping provisions, unifying regulatory concepts and aligning with technical developments. The changes are designed to simplify procedures, reduce licensing time and costs and improve the efficiency and quality of government services.

Among the most prominent features is the introduction of "licensing as a condition for compliance," allowing licenses in development zones to be granted based on investor commitments, followed by monitoring to ensure adherence.

The amendment expands incentives to include development and expansion projects, offering flexibility and supporting job creation and sustainable investment.

The draft was developed following extensive consultations with government entities, the private sector and investors.

In a separate decision, the Cabinet approved the justifications for the draft Passenger Transport Support Fund Management Regulation for 2026.

The regulation aims to sustain public transport projects, including inter-governorate transport, intelligent transport systems and the expansion of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services to Madaba, Balqa and Zarqa.

The fund would be financed through government allocations, fees collected from licensed operators and grants and donations subject to Cabinet approval. An escrow account would be established within the Ministry of Transport to manage revenues and support sector licensees.

The Cabinet approved justifications for a draft amendment to the Cybersecurity Law for 2026, aimed at keeping pace with rapid technological advancements.

The amendment updates key concepts, introduces definitions for emerging technologies and strengthens the role of the National Cyber Security Centre in research, development and threat response.

It enhances coordination, clarifies institutional roles and improves protection of Jordanians' data and critical infrastructure, while supporting the safe deployment of technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The Cabinet approved draft amendments to the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) Employees' Social Solidarity Fund and Housing Fund regulations to enhance administrative flexibility, unify benefits and improve housing stability for municipal employees.

The Cabinet endorsed draft regulations for the Reward and Savings Fund for employees of Mu'tah University, aimed at reducing the university's financial burden by limiting its obligations to contributions for newly appointed staff.

A draft amendment to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission's administrative structure was approved to improve efficiency, strengthen oversight and keep pace with digital transformation and emerging network challenges.

On appointments, the Cabinet named Mustafa Hamarneh as President of the Jordanian Academy of Public Administration and appointed Siham Khawaldeh as Secretary General of the Academy.

Several members were appointed to the Academy's Board of Trustees, alongside key government officials as stipulated in its bylaws.

The Cabinet appointed Raafat Sawafin as Director General of the Vocational Training Corporation, Khaldoun Khaldi as Director General of the Department of Lands and Survey and transferred Yazan Khudair to the position of Advisor at the Ministry of Culture.

//Petra// AK