The Return of Syrian Refugees: A Journey of Hope and Destiny between Jordan and Syria
The return of Syrian refugees from Jordan to Syria after the fall of the Assad regime. Source: Arabic.rt.com. (accessed March 3, 2025)
by: Atallah Al-Sarhan, Rasha Istaiteyeh | Hashemite University
The Syrian crisis, which erupted in 2011, witnessed one of the largest displacement waves in modern history, with more than 13 million Syrians forced to leave their homes under the weight of war and destruction, according to Najat Rochdi, the Deputy Special Envoy of the United Nations to Syria. In 2023 alone, the number of internally displaced persons rose to 7.2 million, while the number of refugees and forcibly displaced persons reached 6.5 million, distributed across 137 countries.
Jordan: A Second Homeland Embracing the Syrians
Amid these events, Jordan opened its doors to more than 1.3 million Syrians, including over 671,000 registered refugees with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Although a small percentage of these refugees live in camps, not exceeding 10%, the vast majority are distributed among Jordanian cities and towns, making Jordan one of the most refugee-hosting countries relative to its population.
The Roots of the Tragedy: Where Did the Refugees Come From?
Most Syrian refugees in Jordan return to cities like Daraa, Homs, Aleppo, and the outskirts of Damascus, in addition to Damascus, Hama, Raqqa, Idlib, Deir ez-Zor, and Hasakah, reaching as far as Quneitra, Suwayda, Latakia, and Tartus. Although areas like Daraa and the outskirts of Damascus still suffer from security disturbances, other cities like Homs and Aleppo enjoy relative calm, making the idea of return more realistic for those who left. However, determining the actual number of those who will return from Jordan to Syria remains uncertain, given the ongoing security concerns and the UN warnings against hasty returns to a reality whose features are still unclear. However, the political changes in Syria and the return of security and stability to some border areas may make Jordan a witness to large waves of returning Syrian refugees, especially with the formation of a new Syrian government and the reshaping of the political landscape.
The Return with the Numbers: Statistics Reflecting the Transformations
Between December 8, 2024, and February 22, 2025, 43,704 Syrian refugees returned from Jordan to Syria, according to official data. This return was distributed as follows:
•Gender distribution: 23,867 males and 19,837 females.
• Age groups: The ages of the returnees ranged between 18-35 and 36-59 years.
• Return patterns: 70% of them returned fully to their homeland, while 30% chose partial return, between temporary mobility and continuous ties with the Jordanian community.
• Distribution of residential areas in Jordan: The capital, Amman, had the largest share, followed by Irbid and Mafraq, in addition to the residents of the Za'atari, Azraq, and Emirati-Jordanian camps.
• Border crossings: 42,675 refugees crossed through the Jaber border crossing, of whom 7,117 were residing in camps, while 35,558 refugees left from various Jordanian cities.
Political Vision: Jordan's Stance on the Return of Refugees
In a meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara in February 2025, King Abdullah II emphasized Jordan's support for reconstruction efforts in Syria, affirming that this process must include all components of the Syrian people to ensure the country's unity and stability.
In the same context, Jordan's Minister of Interior, Mazen Al-Farraya, stated that Jordan supports the voluntary return of refugees, especially after the fall of the Assad regime, which was a major obstacle to the decision to return for many. According to official figures, more than 44,000 Syrians have voluntarily returned to their homeland since the end of last year, coinciding with the call from the head of the Syrian Interim Government, Mohammad Al-Bashir, for Syrians in the diaspora to start returning and rebuilding their homeland.
Jordan between Hosting and Farewell: Economic and Social Impacts
There is no doubt that the return of Syrian refugees to their country carries multiple impacts on the Jordanian economy, especially in the labor and housing sectors. Over the past decade, Jordan has managed to develop what is known as the "host country economy," as the presence of refugees has become a fundamental element in sectors such as real estate, which has witnessed a notable revival due to the increased demand for rentals, particularly in Irbid and Mafraq, where most Syrian refugees are concentrated. Despite the economic challenges, Jordan has benefited from international aid, receiving billions of dollars since 2012 to support its management of the refugee issue. International organizations have also played a role in providing job opportunities for Jordanians, whether in the educational, health, or administrative sectors, leading to the creation of new dynamics in the labor market.
Refugees and Reconstruction: A Bridge to the Future
The issue of the return of Syrian refugees is not limited to the humanitarian aspect alone; it also holds promising prospects for Syria's future. Many of the returnees bring with them experiences gained during their years of exile, whether in the fields of education, health, or economy. These individuals can form the nucleus for rebuilding Syria, benefiting from what they have learned in the host countries. Moreover, this return can contribute to enhancing social understanding among various segments of Syrian society, as refugees return laden with new ideas and experiences that may help reshape the social and cultural landscape of the country. With each returning refugee, their memories, hopes, and perhaps their vision of a new Syria that accommodates everyone, without marginalization or exclusion, return with them.
Jordan and the European Union: A Partnership in Managing the Refugee Issue
In light of international efforts to find sustainable solutions to the refugee crisis, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called during the eighth Brussels Conference for the establishment of a special fund to support the voluntary return of Syrians. The international community views Jordan as a reliable strategic partner, thanks to its deep expertise in managing humanitarian crises, especially concerning Syrian refugees. These efforts do not stop at providing humanitarian aid; they extend to encouraging returning refugees to participate in rebuilding their homeland by utilizing the skills and experiences they gained during their period of refuge, whether in Jordan or in European Union countries.
Parting thoughts: Between Homeland and Diaspora, A Journey that Has Not Yet Ended
The return of Syrian refugees remains a story oscillating between hope and challenge, between nostalgia for the homeland and fears for the future. While some are closing the chapter of exile and returning to their homes, others remain hesitant, awaiting developments in the political and security situation in Syria. Amidst waiting and more waiting, this journey remains a testament to the suffering of a people whose alienation is not limited to distances but extends to the depths of the soul, where nostalgia resides.
Contact:
Rasha Istaiteyeh, Hashemite University, Jordan | ristaiteyeh@hu.edu.jo