The Impact of Institutions on Syrian Refugees in Jordan

After the Syrian civil war, hundreds of thousands of refugees flooded into Jordan. This paper examines how governmental and non-governmental institutions have impacted refugee assimilation. This research details the rules, laws, and regulations implemented by the Jordanian government concerning Syrian refugees. It examines the implementation of the Jordan Response Plan, which details the Jordanian government’s plan for refugees and has received international support. It looks at how institutions impacted Syrians’ housing, transportation, work conditions, and access to education. The paper investigates how aid groups and government policies, such as subsidized healthcare, have impacted refugees. It also examines how institutions adapted to the needs of Syrian refugees following the Covid-19 pandemic. It acknowledges how institutions have addressed Syrian refugees’ access to essential resources and services including electricity, water, and waste management. In some cases, Jordan expanded their support for Syrian refugees. For example, in 2021, the Jordanian government issued a record number of work permits and granted some exemptions for work in sectors typically reserved for Jordanian citizens only. These reforms and shifting policies help integrate Syrian refugees into the Jordanian economy and culture. In this research, we examine how refugee responses have changed or stayed stagnant - and how that impacts the Syrian refugees of Jordan. The study addresses how institutions have facilitated Syrian integration while examining how institutions have been unsuccessful in integrating refugees.