The Amendments to Article 22 of the Jordanian Execution Law, enacted under Law No. 9 of 2022 amending the Execution Law, have now come into effect. These reforms significantly change how courts deal with debtor imprisonment, shifting the balance between creditor rights and debtor protections.
The changes are aligned with Jordan’s international obligations, particularly Article 11 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits imprisonment for inability to pay civil debts.
Key Amendments
Limiting Imprisonment for Contractual Debts
Imprisonment is no longer permitted for most contractual and personal debts.
Exceptions remain for:
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Labour-related obligations (wages, employment rights)
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Rental obligations (unpaid leases)
Maximum Duration of Imprisonment
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60 days per year for a single debt
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120 days per year if multiple creditors are involved
Proof of Financial Ability
Creditors must prove the debtor’s financial capacity before courts may issue imprisonment orders (except for specified exceptions such as alimony, dowry, or damages from criminal acts).
Alternative Creditor Protections
Creditors retain rights through:
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Attachment of debtor’s assets
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Court-ordered sale of assets to satisfy debts
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Travel bans until the debt is repaid
Special Cases Where Imprisonment Still Applies
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Alimony and family maintenance (each installment treated as a separate debt)
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Court-awarded dowry (mahr) for a wife
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Damages resulting from a criminal act
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Refusal to deliver custody of a child or comply with visitation rights
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Refusal to implement judgments related to parental access
Debtor Protections
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Bankrupt or insolvent debtors cannot be imprisoned
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No imprisonment if the debt is below JOD 5,000
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No imprisonment where the debtor has provided valid security or collateral (e.g., mortgage)
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No imprisonment for debts between close family members (spouses, parents/children)
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Courts may defer imprisonment if the debtor suffers from temporary illness
Practical Implications
For Creditors
While direct imprisonment is restricted, the law strengthens reliance on asset seizure, garnishment, and travel bans to protect creditor rights.
For Debtors
The amendments reduce the harsh economic and social consequences of prolonged imprisonment, encouraging negotiated settlements and installment plans.
For Employers & Landlords
Employment and rental debts remain subject to imprisonment, reflecting the importance of protecting vulnerable parties such as employees and landlords.
For the Justice System
Reforms are expected to reduce prison overcrowding and lower state costs associated with debtor imprisonment.
Integration with Digital Services
In parallel, the government approved measures allowing digital financial capacity checks through the Sanad application and CREDITINFO – CRIF Jordan.
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Enables individuals and institutions to verify creditworthiness of persons issuing cheques
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Forms part of Jordan’s transition toward decriminalizing bounced cheques, shifting from criminal sanctions to civil and financial enforcement
Jaradat Lawyers’ Role
As a leading law firm in Jordan, Jaradat Lawyers supports:
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Creditors: pursuing enforcement through asset seizures, garnishment, travel bans, and settlement structures
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Debtors: negotiating settlements, presenting insolvency defenses, and preventing unlawful imprisonment
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Companies: structuring employment, rental, and financial contracts in compliance with the updated Execution Law
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International clients: understanding how Jordan’s enforcement regime affects cross-border debt collection and arbitration award enforcement
Conclusion
The Execution Law amendments mark a fundamental shift in Jordan’s enforcement landscape — replacing imprisonment as a primary tool for debt recovery with asset-based and financial enforcement mechanisms.
For creditors, the law preserves rights but demands new strategies. For debtors, it offers protection from harsh imprisonment and encourages financial rehabilitation. For the Jordanian legal system, the reforms align national law with international human rights obligations and modern enforcement practices.