Jordan - Syrian refugees: political and financial dynamics

Refugees fleeing political turmoil and armed violence in Syria began to arrive in Jordan in 2011. As of 19 August 2016, there are 656,042 registered Syrian refugees, 78.5% of whom are living in urban areas. Most refugees have been in Jordan for years: the largest influx from Syria to Jordan was in 2012 and 2013, with 176,020 and 301,620 refugee arrivals, respectively (UNHCR 15/07/2016; UNHCR 15/08/2016).

The influx of Syrian refugees has had a major impact on the Jordanian economy. According to the Jordanian Economic and Social Council, the Syrian crisis has cost the country USD 1.2 billion, and the financial burden is expected to rise to USD 4.2 billion by the end of 2016. Conflict in neighbouring Iraq and Syria have dented confidence in and between countries in the region, blocked trade, and harmed investment in the region. Hosting a large number of Syrian refugees has added to the negative economic effects and put public services under pressure As Jordanians increasingly feel the impact on their daily lives, and security concerns grow, social cohesion between Syrians and host communities has deteriorated and the Syrian crisis become progressively politicised.