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AMMAN — The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jordan has introduced a new pilot phase under its voluntary return programme for Syrian refugees in Zaatari and Azraq camps, granting an additional $300 (JD210) to vulnerable families, in response to growing demand for voluntary return, spokesperson Yousef Taha said.
Taha said that the additional support is limited to the most vulnerable families, including households with persons with disabilities, serious medical conditions, children with special needs, single parents or caregivers, and large families of eight members or more with valid refugee documentation who choose to return to Syria, according to Al Mamlaka TV.
He explained that the additional support comes on top of the basic cash assistance of JD70 per returning family member from Zaatari and Azraq camps. “This is a one-time payment to cover immediate return-related costs, including transport, documentation and medication.
Taha added that some registered refugee families facing specific vulnerabilities are eligible for a one-time additional payment of JD210 per family, alongside the JD70 per individual.
He noted that voluntary return cash assistance programmes, including the additional support, depend on available funding, and any changes to assistance levels remain subject to securing further resources.
Taha stressed that the agency’s role is limited to supporting informed and voluntary decisions, noting that it does not encourage or pressure refugees to return, and that return to Syria remains a personal decision.
He added that the agency regularly reviews its programmes to better meet refugees’ needs, and that updates are shared via the agency’s support portal and official WhatsApp groups. He also stressed that all UNHCR services, including voluntary return assistance, are always free of charge.
He said that 6,041 refugees had received cash assistance for voluntary return as of April 25, 2026.
UNHCR data shows that 419,950 refugees are currently registered in Jordan, with Syrians making up 94.4 per cent, or 396,640 refugees.
The data also shows that around 190,000 Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan to Syria between December 8, 2024, and mid-April 2026.
