AMMAN – On Sunday, the
UNHCR in Jordan stated
that about 69,000 refugees have left Jordan for a third country under the
"resettlement" category since 2014, with 10,000 of them being
resettled in 2023.
اضافة اعلان
While estimates show that more than 10 percent
of refugees want to be resettled, the actual number of refugees who are
successfully resettled is less than 1 percent, Khaberni reported.
Given the limited prospects for return to
Syria and long-term integration into Jordanian communities, the
UNHCR prioritizes third-country solutions such as resettlement and other paths.
The UNHCR sees resettlement as an essential
means for refugees to transition to another nation that will accept them,
providing legal protection and permanent residence. It is a crucial means of
sharing responsibilities and showing solidarity with host nations such as
Jordan.
The UNHCR prioritizes refugees of all
nationalities for resettlement depending on their protection requirements.
Individuals who are often resettled are highly vulnerable, including those who
require legal and physical protection, survivors of violence or torture,
at-risk children and adolescents, and those with medical requirements.
It is worth mentioning that resettlement
options are restricted and subject to quotas imposed by resettlement countries.
In addition to resettlement, there are various
other options, such as “complementary pathways”, for refugees seeking
third-country solutions, such as jobs, education, family reunification, and
special medical care. These pathways provide secure and regulated
options for refugees to legally stay in a third country while receiving international
protection.
UNHCR's assistance over the years
Since 2020, the UNHCR has aided 1,500 refugees
via these complementary pathways. However, this figure represents only a small
proportion of the total number of refugees who have flown to third countries
via various routes, as figures show that over 8,000 migrants departed Jordan
over the stipulated period.
Over the last decade, many
Jordanian refugees have benefited from educational programs and job prospects. These highly
skilled refugees now work in high-demand industries such as information
technology, healthcare, law, and engineering.
Despite their inability to work in these
sectors in Jordan due to restrictions on foreign employment, they are strong
candidates to benefit from employment pathways to third countries.
As for those who wish to
return to Syria, the
UNHCR does not actively encourage or facilitate their return to their home
country. However, they continue to explore ways to support refugees who express
a desire to return, monitoring developments that may contribute to future
opportunities for voluntary and safe return with dignity. The UNHCR emphasizes
that any return “must be voluntary and based on an informed and free decision.”
More than 52,000 Syrian refugees have chosen
to return home since 2018, and an average of 500 refugees will cross the border
each month between 2020 and 2023.
The UNHCR reiterates its commitment to
providing restricted resettlement options for vulnerable refugees with critical
protection requirements. They improve access to diverse channels and help
refugees navigate the available solutions and opportunities.
Furthermore, the UNHCR will continue to
provide correct and up-to-date information to refugees wishing to return to
Syria, ensuring that all return procedures are voluntary, safe, and
well-informed.
It is crucial to highlight that, according to
the UNHCR website, "resettlement" is the process of relocating
refugees from their place of asylum to another nation that chooses to accept
them, allowing them long-term permanent status.
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