Licensed money exchanges in Jordan begin operating on limited basis

The CBJ’s decision aims at alleviating the effects of the novel coronavirus on citizens and residents and is “part of its keenness to sustain the service of inbound and outbound remittances for clients in a way that aligns with the precautionary measures to contain the virus”, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The regulations allow licensed exchange companies to offer services to clients at their locations as long as the companies follow the instructions and procedures issued by the government.

According to current regulations, money exchanges must sterilise the locations that will be operating, ensure that queues are organised and identify a maximum capacity for the number of clients inside the locations at one time according to social distancing regulations, allowing for at least a one-metre distance between people.

Exchange companies must also choose “qualified employees” who are “fully aware” of public safety procedures issued by the Health Ministry and provide hand sanitiser, gloves, face masks and all other needed safety materials.

The CBJ also called on money exchanges to provide the bank with a list of the employees that will be working at their locations, stressing that the companies will be operating according to usual work procedures, requirements and terms as stipulated in relevant laws.

The central bank is also allowing the exchanges to offer inbound and outbound remittance services door-to-door during the curfew, with the aim of easing procedures under these exceptional circumstances, Petra reported.

The CBJ called on the exchanges to use sterilised transportation vehicles that are properly equipped for such services, adding that companies must also provide the CBJ with the plate numbers of these vehicles.

As stipulated in the regulations, the exchanges will be able to provide these services from Sunday to Thursday between 10am and 2pm, Petra reported.