The US administration has informed Jordanian government that garment products from the country will now be allowed into the US markets on a larger scale than before. The US Department of Labour recently lifted restraints on the industry, the Jordan News Agency, Petra reported. The letter, received by the government late last month, said that Jordan was not listed among countries that violate international anti-human trafficking laws and allow child labour. In a separate letter, the US Department of Labour has recently lauded Jordan’s efforts to address child labour through continued field inspections, Petra reported. Credit was given to the government’s measures that included developing legislations to regulate labour and protect the rights of workers according to international rules.

The US law blacklists products of any country that uses children or forced labour. The government has taken several measures in association with the International Labour Organisation and Tamkeen Organisation, a local NGO and intensified inspection campaigns on violating industries to ensure their commitment to the rules, including the provision of a sound and healthy environment with appropriate wages and a set working hours. The Jordanian government is seeking alternative market for Jordanian products such as the US market which receives 21 per cent of the Jordanian exports.