97,000 Syrian refugees return from Jordan
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Jordan’s Minister of Interior, Mazen al-Faraya, announced on Saturday that approximately 97,000 Syrian refugees have voluntarily returned to Syria since the beginning of this year.
Al-Faraya added that the Jaber border crossing witnessed its highest volume of passenger and cargo traffic since reopening, particularly in the days leading up to Eid al-Adha.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new Integrated Border Management Operations Room at the Jaber crossing, al-Faraya emphasized the importance of enhancing infrastructure and streamlining procedures to facilitate cross-border movement and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
In a related development, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that the number of Syrian refugees who have voluntarily returned from Jordan to Syria exceeded 100,000 between Dec. 8, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
UNHCR spokesperson Yousef Taha attributed the rise in returns to a combination of factors, including improved security and economic conditions in parts of Syria, the lifting of some international sanctions, and the end of the academic year in Jordan, according to remarks made to the al-Mamlaka TV channel.
Taha added that the number of returns is expected to increase further in the coming weeks, particularly after the conclusion of the high school examination period—an important milestone for many Syrian families considering the decision to return.