Amman: The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan, approved the mandated reasons for a draft law amending the Notary Public Law for 2025, paving the way for its referral to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau to complete the necessary procedures for its issuance.
According to Jordan News Agency, the proposed amendment aims to keep pace with rapid developments in information technology and harness digital tools to streamline notarial procedures. It is part of the government's broader agenda to improve the quality and speed of public services and integrate digital solutions in line with its modernization goals.
Specifically, the draft law seeks to legalize the use of electronic methods in notarial transactions, granting them the same legal validity as paper-based processes. It also envisions the establishment of a central notary administration within the Ministry of Justice, thereby unifying oversight and aligning with best practices in the institutional organization of judicial and legal functions.
Under the amendments, the jurisdiction of notaries will be expanded to cover all governorates no longer limited by the geographical scope of the affiliated courts, thereby easing access for service recipients and reducing both travel time and associated costs for citizens.
The Cabinet also approved a proposal by the Ministry of Agriculture to allocate financial support for tomato paste production. The Minister of Agriculture has been tasked with determining the amount of compensation to be paid per ton of tomatoes delivered to factories.
In tax-related matters, the Cabinet approved the settlement of around 690 cases between taxpayers and the Income and Sales Tax Department, as well as with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority. These settlements are based on recommendations from the relevant committees and conform to applicable legislation.
Additionally, the Cabinet exempted purchases and imports by the Royal Tank Museum from general sales tax. This step supports the national museum sector and Jordan's tourism programs, enabling the museum to continue offering high-quality services.
In the realm of international cooperation, the Cabinet approved a protocol amending the agreement with Kuwait on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion on income. The amendment reflects the strong ties between the two nations and their shared commitment to improving transparency and governance in tax matters.
The Cabinet appointed Faisal Tayel Al-Abdallat as Secretary of the Council of Ministers. Firas Al-Dharaba'ah was named Director General of the Department of the National Library after receiving the highest score in a competitive process under the Public Sector Leadership System.
The Council also accepted the resignation of Mamoun Al-Debei from his post as Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. In light of the Royal Decree approving the latest cabinet reshuffle, the Cabinet also reconstituted its legal, economic modernization, administrative modernization, and infrastructure services committees.