Jordan is one of the few states in the Middle East to have remained stable despite conflicts erupting around it, and has acted as an important ally to Western and regional powers. Like Syria’s other neighbours, the country is now facing a refugee crisis of considerable proportions. The influx of Syrians fleeing the war has increased the population by at least 8 per cent. Over 80 per cent of these refugees live in urban areas in Jordan’s border governorates and in the capital, Amman, rather than in camps. They are therefore very conspicuous to the local population, particularly in the governorates with the greatest concentrations of refugees. The presence of refugees in urban areas makes it more likely that they will compete, or at least be seen as competing, with locals for resources and opportunities.
This paper argues that the significant stress on Jordan as a result of the Syrian refugee crisis could have long-term social and political ramifications. Jordan and the international community should take the difficult but necessary steps to maximize the benefit the Syrian refugees can bring to prevent the crisis from having further negative impacts on the country’s most vulnerable people.
The findings of this paper are based on more than 70 interviews in 2014–15 with officials in the UN and humanitarian communities and various levels of Jordanian government, as well as with analysts, refugees, journalists and civil society.
