AMMAN — Funding for the operations of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jordan reached $65 million by the end of March 2026, covering 23.2 per cent of the $280 million required, and leaving a funding gap of $215 million, or 76.8 per cent, according to the agency’s latest report. 

 

UNHCR said it provided about $2 million in cash assistance during the first quarter of 2026 to help meet the basic needs of approximately 13,000 families in host communities.

 

The report showed that between December 8, 2024 and March 31, 2026, around 188,500 registered refugees returned to Syria, with the figure rising to about 190,000 by mid-April 2026.

 

Return movements remained relatively low during Ramadan, with about 3,900 refugees returning in February and 3,400 in March, compared with 4,500 in January.

 

UNHCR attributed the decline to seasonal patterns, noting that many refugees tend to postpone return plans until after Ramadan or during the summer period, once the school year concludes.

 

The agency added that support for voluntary return, including cash assistance and transport services, continued throughout the reporting period. However, demand for transport assistance declined in February and March, reflecting reduced return movements due to winter conditions and Ramadan.

 

During the same period, 191 refugees departed Jordan for resettlement in third countries.

 

UNHCR also facilitated the transfer of more than 1,500 refugees from Zaatari and Azraq camps in February and March for urgent medical care, including dialysis, emergency obstetric and neonatal services, and other life-saving treatments in public hospitals outside the camps.

 

In addition, the agency conducted around 45,000 interviews with refugees, both in person and remotely, to update documentation and ensure continued access to essential services such as education and healthcare. It stressed that registration and documentation remain critical for effective planning and aid delivery.

 

During the reporting period, UNHCR and its partners provided protection counselling to more than 500 refugees facing heightened risks, and delivered emergency cash assistance to over 200 vulnerable families unable to meet basic needs.

 

The data also showed a decline in the number of registered refugees and asylum seekers in Jordan, which fell to 419,950 by the end of March, compared with 426,931 in February—a decrease of around 1.64 per cent.