AMMAN — Minister of Interior Mazen Faraya said on Tuesday that Jordan is currently hosting 3.5 million refugees from 43 countries, including 1.4 million Syrians.

 

Speaking during the 10th edition of the Vienna Migration Conference (VMC2025), Faraya said that fewer than 100,000 Syrian refugees live in designated camps, while the vast majority are integrated into Jordanian cities and communities, according to the public service TV Al Mamlaka.

 

“Despite the strain this places on national infrastructure and limited natural resources, particularly water, with annual per capita availability falling below 61 cubic metres, Jordan continues to provide refugees with quality healthcare, education, and access to employment,” he said.

 

“Jordan has maintained its humanitarian commitment despite significant economic and environmental pressures.”

 

The minister also highlighted the challenges posed by Jordan’s 378-kilometre border with Syria, noting increased efforts to prevent cross-border smuggling of drugs and weapons.

 

“Authorities have seized nearly 8 million Captagon pills so far this year,” he said, adding that securing the border and cooperating with our Syrian counterparts is a top priority.

 

Faraya acknowledged that voluntary returns of Syrian refugees remain limited, attributing this to the lack of a safe and viable environment for repatriation.

 

He warned that continued instability in the region could lead to a new wave of displacement that host countries may be unable to absorb.

 

“Syria represents an opportunity. If it is lost, we will witness a new wave of refugees.”

 

The minister urged European nations to open legal migration pathways for skilled Jordanian workers, particularly in sectors like healthcare and information technology.

 

He also called for increased international funding to support refugee-hosting countries.

 

Jordan’s 2025 Syria Crisis Response Plan has received only 12 per cent of the required funding to date.

 

He emphasised that restoring stability in Syria is essential to addressing the root causes of forced migration and ensuring long-term regional peace.

 

“The equation is clear. Every human being needs security, a job, and basic services. If they do not find them at home, they will look for them elsewhere. Our shared responsibility is to help provide these necessities in their own countries.”

 

Al-Faraya concluded by calling for stronger European engagement in the region, particularly in supporting host nations through enhanced healthcare, water, and employment programs.