Prostitution in Jordan is technically illegal,[1][2] but in practice, tolerated, with authorities turning a blind eye to the act.[3] Prostitution occurs mainly in the larger cities[3] in their poor neighbourhoods.[4] It occurs in brothels, restaurants,[1] night clubs and on the streets.[3] The prostitutes are mainly from Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, Iraq as well as Jordanians.[3]
Red-light districts are rare in the country, although most cities have "cruising areas".[5] In the neighborhood of Jubaiha (al-jubaiha:الجبيهة), in the capital, Amman, one of the major streets has been commonly called "Tallaini Street" meaning "the pick me up street". Local residents have tried to stop prostitution in the area.[6]
In 2007, in an attempt to limit the number of prostitutes in Jordan, Jordan's Ministry of Interior announced a special visa scheme for women aged 17–40 travelling alone from Ukraine, Estonia, Russia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Armenia. Protests from the tourist industry resulted in the scheme being withdrawn.[7]
Jordan is known for sex tourism within the Middle East.[8][9][10] Instances of female sex tourism with Bedouin men have been reported at tourist sites in the Jordanian desert.[11]
Some Syrian refugees in Jordan have been reported to be working as prostitutes,[12][13][14][15][16][17] including in the Zaatari refugee camp.[4]