Amman: The Department of Statistics (DoS) denied reports claiming that citizens could be fined for being unable to answer census questions or for not being home when field researchers visit.
According to Jordan News Agency, DoS Director General Haider Freihat stated that previous censuses included instances where researchers could not obtain data from certain households. He highlighted that this is a normal occurrence within the expected statistical margin of error.
Freihat apologized for any misunderstanding arising from earlier statements, emphasizing that he had not intended to cause offense. He explained that field researchers involved in the 2026 Population and Housing Census have undergone training, qualification, and readiness assessments. They are instructed to deal flexibly with households while respecting the privacy and circumstances of citizens and residents.
The researchers assigned to collect census data are teachers affiliated with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development. Freihat assured that census questions are generally clear and straightforward, and respondents are not pressured to provide information they do not have. If a visit cannot be completed or some answers are unavailable, researchers may schedule another visit to complete the required data.
He added that the department relies on information provided by citizens and residents and considers public cooperation and accurate responses essential to the census process. The DoS urged citizens and residents to cooperate with field researchers to help complete and update census data used in planning and public services.