Over 3,000 Syrian Refugees Return from Jordan

More than 3,000 Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan to their homeland since the beginning of this year, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

This marks a 63% increase compared to the same period last year. The uptick in returns highlights the growing challenges faced by Syrian refugees in Jordan, driven by a complex mix of economic hardships and diminishing international support.

Fawwaz Momani, former director of the Center for Refugee Studies at Yarmouk University, noted that while many Syrians are eager to return home, their decisions are often contingent on specific conditions and guarantees from the United Nations regarding their safety, livelihoods, and security.

He emphasized the importance of studying the characteristics of those who have returned, as various factors influenced their decision to leave Jordan.

Momani also pointed out that Jordan has shouldered a significant burden in hosting Syrian refugees, with the cost of hosting them placing a heavy strain on the nation's economy.

Abdulrahman Al-Nasser, a Syrian refugee who has settled in the Za'atari refugee camp, confirmed that a growing number of Syrians are considering returning home due to the challenging circumstances in Jordan.

A 2024 study by UNHCR reveals that two out of every three Syrian refugee families are classified as impoverished, according to World Bank analysis.

The study highlights a significant decline in the average monthly income of refugees, with a 12% drop over the past two years, a decline that has been even more pronounced in the Azraq and Za'atari camps.

Additionally, 66% of Syrian families in host communities are now forced to reduce their food consumption due to poverty.

The study also reports a threefold increase in the number of refugee children working, with 11% now engaged in labor since 2022.

This trend undermines their ability to attend school, further exacerbating the long-term challenges faced by Syrian refugees.

Jamal Al-Shalabi, a political science professor at Hashemite University, stressed that the support provided to Syrian refugees has significantly decreased, leaving them with limited options.

He noted that, in light of Jordan's difficult economic conditions, many Syrians view returning to their country as the best option. Al-Shalabi suggested that the reduction in UN support is primarily aimed at encouraging refugees to return home.