Khaberni - The UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Jordan introduced a new pilot stage in the Voluntary Return program for refugees in the Za’atari and Azraq camps, which grants families classified within vulnerable categories additional aid worth $300 (210 dinars); in response to the increasing demand from refugees wishing to voluntarily return, according to the spokesperson Youssef Taha.
Taha explained in a statement to "Al Mamlaka" that this extra support is limited to the most needy families, which include families with a member who is disabled, has serious health conditions, children with special needs, single parents or caregivers, or large families comprising eight members or more who have valid refugee documents and choose to return to Syria.
He added that this support is in addition to the basic cash assistance of 70 Jordanian Dinars per family member returning from the Za’atari and Azraq camps, which is a one-time aid to cover immediate expenses related to the return, including transportation, document issuance, medication, and others.
Taha pointed out that some refugee families listed in the UNHCR database, who face specific hardships, are entitled to a one-time additional amount of 210 dinars ($300) per family, alongside the amount of 70 dinars per family member.
The UNHCR spokesperson confirmed that cash assistance programs for voluntary return, including the additional support, depend on the availability of funding, and any possible adjustment or increase in the value of the aids depends on securing additional resources.
He emphasized that the role of the UNHCR is limited to supporting the refugees' voluntary and informed decision, asserting that it does "not encourage or pressure the return," and that the decision to return to Syria is a personal one made by the refugees based on their own circumstances.
He added that the UNHCR regularly reviews its programs to best meet the needs of refugees, and that any updates will be shared through the "Support Center" website of the UNHCR and official WhatsApp groups, assuring that all UNHCR services, including assistance in voluntary return, are always free.
Taha indicated that the number of refugees who have received cash assistance for voluntary return reached 6,041 refugees as of April 25, 2026.
Data from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees indicates that there are 419,950 registered refugees, with Syrian refugees making up the largest percentage of them, at 94.4%, or 396,640 refugees.
UNHCR data shows that approximately 190,000 Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan to their homeland from December 8, 2024, to mid-April 2026.
