Jordan: Syrian Refugee at risk of deportation

Deportations in Jordan fall under the authority of the Ministry of Interior and by law are implemented through a governor’s office. Articles 32 and 37 of Law No.24 of 1973 on Residence and Foreigners’ Affairs, allow the governor or the Minister of Interior to expel foreigners for their “illegal presence.” Article 19 of the same law allows the Minister to cancel a foreigner’s residency permit without justification. According to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which Jordan is party to, no State Party shall expel, return ("refouler") or extradite a person to another State where there are substantial grounds for believing that he would be in danger of being subjected to torture.

Amnesty International documented how Syrian authorities specifically target people who fled the country upon their return to Syria, subjecting them to torture, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance. As such, Amnesty International opposes returns to Syria in all cases except where they are voluntary.

Since 7 October 2023, the Jordanian authorities have arrested at least 1,500 people, including around 500 detained since March following huge protests outside the Israeli Embassy in Amman in March.