Irregular Movements

It is the movement of refugees across borders through irregular methods from one country, to another.

Such movement may be very risky. UNHCR urges you to consider all the circumstances, risks, and dangers before taking such a decision.

UNHCR strongly advises against travelling through informal routes and methods, such as those heading to Europe, as you might be facing multiple protection risks en route, be it in deserts or at high sea, at borders and in the country where you may end up.

REMEMBER: If you are registered with UNHCR in Jordan, and decide to leave Jordan, then your asylum-seeker or refugee status, and your access to international protection in Jordan, may cease. You may also risk losing access to assistance of any kind and support by UNHCR, other UN Agencies, and humanitarian organizations.

Furthermore, there will be no guarantee for you to re-enter Jordan through land, sea, or air borders, and your re-entry to Jordan is subject to the discretion of the Authorities.

Have you reached your destination successfully? Do you think you are safe? The answer is no.

Arriving to another country through Irregular methods doesn’t mean you are safe. The first risk you could face is being detained and deported to your home country, subject to penalties due to entering the country irregularly/unofficially, or being left for long periods without food, shelter or access to legal services or medical care. The risks are many. Please think carefully before engaging with such movements.

Keep in mind that organizations like UNHCR have limited or no access to places where smugglers may keep you.

Be careful with people who offer travel help to Europe or other places, they are most likely scamming you. They’re not worried about your safety and hide the dangers of these trips for their own profit or inappropriate favours.

Please contact us if you need information on the support available in Jordan and note that UNHCR’s protection team is available to provide counselling if you were considering such movements. You can call the UNHCR Helpline 064008000.