Country Profile
GAPs Country Profile: Jordan / Blog Posts
Jordan Compact Under the Microscope: Analyzing Impacts on Refugee Labor, EU Trade, and Returnees’ Decisions
by: Rasha Istaiteyeh, Hashemite University
In 2016, the Jordan Compact marked a fresh, comprehensive strategy forged between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the international community to address the Syrian refugee crisis. Jordan, shouldering a substantial burden as a host to refugees, undertakes a global public good on behalf of the international community. The repatriation of refugees hinges on political stability and individual willingness, introducing uncertainties in the post-conflict scenario.
Beyond Borders: Reflections on the Repatriation Journey
by: Rasha Istaiteyeh, Hashemite University
The global landscape has witnessed unprecedented waves of migration and displacement, with millions of individuals seeking refuge in foreign lands. While the journey to a new home is often fraught with challenges, the return to one's homeland can be equally complex. By the end of 2022, 108.4 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations. Around 6 million displaced people returned to their areas or countries of origin in 2022, including 5.7 million internally displaced people and 339,300 refugees.
Syrian Returnees from Jordan to Syria in Focus
by: Rasha Istaiteyeh, Hashemite University
Studies have found that the majority of Syrian refugees in Jordan aspire to return to Syria but their return plans are contingent on the improvement of security conditions and the availability of essential services in Syria. Syrian refugee family networks and social capital play a significant role in shaping return aspirations, with refugees who have strong family networks and social capital in Syria being more likely to aspire to return. Syrian refugee youth in Jordan also have high aspirations for the future to return to Syria. However, they are also aware of the challenges of returning to Syria, and many are considering alternative pathways, such as migration to Europe.
In 2023, the aspirations of Syrian refugees in Jordan to return home reveal an evolving landscape. The latest data reveals a shift in sentiment. A majority (of about 97%) of Syrian refugees in Jordan refuse to return within the next year. This percentage in Jordan is considered one of the highest amongst its neighboring countries . The UNHCR survey indicates that the intention to return has decreased…
Charting the Path Home: Syrian Refugee Return from Jordan to Syria
by: Rasha Istaiteyeh, Hashemite University
This blog post explores the return migration of Syrian refugees from Jordan due to the 2011 Syrian conflict, which led to a significant refugee crisis. Millions of Syrians were forced to flee from their home due to conflict, violence, and instability in their country. Jordan hosted a significant number of Syrian refugees, providing safety, shelter, and humanitarian assistance.
However, as conditions in Syria evolved, the prospect of return migration became more important. It is thus critical to investigate the complex issues underlying the return of Syrian refugees to their home country and provide long term durable solutions.
The UNHCR surveyed Syrian refugees' perceptions and intentions on returning to Syria in 2021. The 2021 UNHCR survey results suggested that most refugees do not intend to return, while 58% consider it, if…
Syrian Refugees Returning from Jordan: “The Situation in the Mirror”!
by: Rasha Istaiteyeh, Hashemite University
The global refugee crisis has resulted in forced migrations, with individuals seeking refuge across borders due to economic, political, or climatic reasons. Jordan has been a significant host country for Syrian refugees, hosting the second-highest share of refugees per capita in the world (UNHCR,2023) where the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other humanitarian organizations to provide assistance in various forms.
Syria remains the world’s largest displacement crisis. More than 13 million people have either fled the country or are displaced within its borders (UNHCR, 2022).
While there have been reports of Syrians returning to their homeland, primarily driven by family reunification, the numbers remain relatively small. anecdotal evidence that suggests that senior relatives go back despite an active conflict for family reunification, to identify return conditions, or to guard property against appropriation risk (The World Bank,2019).