The Ministry of Interior extends the campaign to regularize the status of Syrian refugees living informally in the urban areas of Jordan

shaheennews

Today, the Ministry of Interior announced the extension of the campaign aiming to formalize the status of Syrian refugees living informally in urban areas in Jordan. This campaign, which was launched on the 4th of March, is now extended until the 31st of March 2019. The campaign is directed to Syrian nationals registered in the camps who left without an official authorization before the 1st of July 2017 and did not return. Syrians who arrived to Jordan and have never registered with UNHCR and the Government of Jordan can also benefit from this project. The Ministry of Interior asserts that this extended grace period granted to the Syrians living informally in urban areas is a real opportunity to regularize their status in accordance with the provisions of the Jordanian law and to prevent any future legal problem related to their legal status in the Kingdom. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Interior announced the first rectification campaign. By the end of this period, over 20,000 individuals have successfully rectified their legal status, with the support of UNHCR. Therefore, the Ministry of Interior calls on all the Syrians that are still living informally in urban areas to take advantage of this campaign, stressing on the fact that this will facilitate access to all types of services and assistance. “UNHCR welcomes and commends the Government of Jordan’s extension until March 2019 of the rectification period for eligible Syrian refugees living informally in urban areas. Thanks to the support of the Government, over 20,000 Syrian refugees now have valid Ministry of Interior service cards, which facilitates access to essential services. I am hopeful the extension of time will allow a greater number of eligible refugees to benefit and urge those eligible to approach UNHCR to initiate the process at the earliest.” In order to benefit from this project, Syrian refugees in Jordan need to approach any of the UNHCR offices in urban areas (Irbid, Mafraq or Amman) or any UNHCR Helpdesk across the country as a first step. UNHCR staff will provide all information needed on the process, which is free of charge, and the additional advantages registering can bring. Once registration with UNHCR is complete, Syrian refugees will be able to finalise the regularization process and obtain an updated Ministry of Interior service card from the nearest police station. Ministry of Interior service cards are provided to all Syrians residing in the country, formalising their stay in Jordan and facilitating their access to services. UNHCR offices and Helpline (06 400 8000) remain available during the upcoming five months to provide all the needed information to Syrian refugees in Jordan who can benefit from this campaign.