Assistance for Voluntary Return to Syria – Phase 4

UNHCR supports Syrian refugees in Jordan who freely choose to return to Syria on a permanent basis. The cash assistance for voluntary return pilot program is only for Syrian refugees registered and currently living in refugee camps (Za’atari Refugee Camp or Azraq Refugee Camp).

If you are living in Za’atari or Azraq Camps and have decided to permanently return to Syria, each family member who is returning will be able to  receive a one-time cash assistance for voluntary return of JOD 70 to help with immediate return-related expenses, including, transportation, documentation, medication, etc.

In addition, some refugee families who are already registered in the UNHCR database as having specific vulnerabilities are eligible to receive an additional one-time payment of JOD 210 per family, in addition to the JOD 70 provided to each individual family member.

Eligibility for this additional support applies only to families whose vulnerability status is pre-identified and already recorded in UNHCR registration data. This includes families with a member with a disability, a serious health condition, children with specific needs, single parents or caregivers, or larger families with eight or more members with active registration records and choosing to return to Syria.

The duration of UNHCR’s cash assistance for voluntary return programme is subject to the availability of funds.

The cash assistance for voluntary return programme is provided to Azraq and Zaatari camp-based refugees in Jordan before their departure to Syria. This programme is not linked to assistance or reintegration programs in Syria.

Even if you receive the cash assistance for voluntary return in Jordan, you may still be eligible to receive the one time reintegration assistance from UNHCR Syria in the amount of 600 USD as reintegration assistance once you return to Syria if you meet the eligibility criteria. However, Assistance in Syria is limited, and not all refugees may meet the eligibility criteria. Therefore, refugees are advised not to base their decision to return on the expectation of receiving financial support. UNHCR Syria will only contact individuals who may be found eligible.

For more information on assistance programs in Syria, please visit https://syriaishome.org/.

If you are living in Zaatari or Azraq refugee camp, have decided to return to Syria permanently, and would like to apply for this program, you must call UNHCR’s Helpline at 06-4008000 to begin the process and check your eligibility.

When calling the helpline, select the option for Voluntary Repatriation (Option 4 under the protection menu) and follow the instructions to enter your UNHCR Case Number.

Please listen carefully to the messages, as they will provide important information and guide you on how to register your interest in the return program. If you are eligible for the cash assistance for voluntary return pilot, the helpline will inform you accordingly and ask you to answer a

You can reach the helpline for this purpose from Sunday to Thursday between the working hours of 8am to 4pm. We understand that there may be a delay in answering your call due to the volume of calls received on any given day as many refugees are calling the helpline for various reasons. We are doing our best to respond to all calls as quickly as possible. Please be patient.

No, the additional one-time assistance per family is only available to refugees who were interviewed for the voluntary return cash assistance programme on or after 13 April 2026, when the new support was introduced.

Applicants interviewed before this date remain eligible to receive the standard assistance of 70 JOD per travelling individual but are not eligible for the additional one-time assistance per family.

Yes. Any Syrian registered with UNHCR can return without UNHCR’s support at any point. If you reside in the camp, you must approach SRAD and follow the regular procedures. You are not obliged to enroll in any of UNHCR’s voluntary return assistance programs.

UNHCR encourages families to make the decision to return together. This helps support family unity and can contribute to a smoother reintegration process in Syria. However, if you are unable or choose not to return with your whole family due to your own circumstances, please note that you do not need our approval for this decision. You may simply inform UNHCR of your travel plans during your interview.

Families eligible for the one-time additional assistance of 210 JOD per family can receive this support only once per UNHCR registration group, regardless of whether they return together or separately. If your family is eligible and plans to return at different times, your UNHCR case worker will explain the available options during your voluntary repatriation interview.

UNHCR cannot provide cash assistance for voluntary return to families who have chosen to separate in a way that would leave children or vulnerable adults in Jordan without appropriate care and support.

For refugees residing in Za’atari or Azraq refugee camps, the JOD 70 per person cash assistance for voluntary return is given one time to each family member who decides to permanently return to Syria. It is unconditional, which means you can use it however you choose to support your return.

The cash assistance for voluntary return is meant to help with immediate or longer-term needs in Jordan or in Syria:

• Transportation costs for passengers and luggage.
• Preparing documents for travel (including ratification of education, birth, marriage certificates).
• Paying off debts.
• Buying basic supplies before leaving Jordan or upon arriving to Syria.
• Obtaining a stock of needed medicine or assistive devices prior to return.

You are free to use the money in the way that works best for you and your family as you prepare to return.

1. Express Your Interest
   1. If you reside in either Azraq or Zaatari refugee camps and have decided to permanently return to Syria, you can check your eligibility for the cash assistance for voluntary return program by calling UNHCR’s helpline.
   2. The helpline system will immediately confirm if you are eligible for the cash assistance for voluntary return program. Please listen to the automated messages from the helpline as they will provide you further instructions on the next steps.
   3. You must contact UNHCR yourself. UNHCR will not contact refugees first – you must take the first step to show your interest in returning.
      You must apply by calling the UNHCR Helpline (06-4008000) during working hours (Sunday-Thursday, 8am-4pm).

2. Follow the instructions from the helpline
   If you are eligible for the cash assistance for voluntary return program, please follow the prompts from the helpline:
   1. Answer a few automated questions.
   2. You will hear a message confirming that your interest is recorded.

3. Wait for UNHCR to contact you to confirm your interview at UNHCRWhen UNHCR has scheduled your case for an interview, you will receive a phone call or SMS from UNHCR providing a specific date, time, and location for your interview. Your case will be scheduled for an interview based on when you contacted us.The call or SMS will be sent to the phone number on your case file. If you change your phone number, please remember to update UNHCR’s records through the Helpline, following the instructions available at https://help.unhcr.org/jordan/en/unhcr-helpline/ .

4. Attend Your Interview with UNHCR
   1. Once you receive a call or SMS with your in-person interview appointment:
      Attend the interview on your scheduled date with all family members who plan to return.
   2. Bring the following documents for each family member:
      1. Valid UNHCR proof of registration document.
      2. Syrian national ID, passport (if available).
      3. Ministry of Interior (MOI) card.

• Also bring a contact number in Syria where you can be reached after return. This is very important as it allows us to share your information with UNHCR Syria for support and assistance upon return.
• During the interview, UNHCR will:
  1. Explain the return process.
  2. Answer your questions.
  3. Ask a few questions about your plans and reasons for returning.
  4. At your interview, UNHCR will inform you if you are eligible for the additional one-time assistance of JOD 210 per family and confirm the amount you are eligible to receive. Please remember that this assistance is provided as long as funding is available.

5. Confirm Your Decision to Return
   1. During your interview, UNHCR will ask every adult member of your family who is returning to Syria to confirm their decision to return to Syria is voluntary. We will also ask for your permission to share some key information with UNHCR and partners inside Syria. If you decide to go ahead with the return, every adult member of your family will sign a Voluntary Repatriation Declaration Form confirming your choice to return.

   2. Please note that if your family is returning at different times, UNHCR cannot provide cash assistance for voluntary return to families who have chosen to separate in a way that would leave children or vulnerable adults in Jordan without appropriate care and support.

6. Camp Clearance with SRAD
   1. After your interview with UNHCR and IF your case was found eligible for the Cash for Return, your case will be referred to the SRAD Humanitarian Office in your respective camp for clearance.
   2. If you are living in Za’atari Camp and wish to sell your caravan before your return, please review the information here

7. Collect the Cash Assistance for Voluntary Return
   1. SRAD will share a list of refugees who were cleared following UNHCR interview and SRAD clearance with UNHCR. UNHCR will then submit the names of these cleared refugees to receive the cash assistance for voluntary return through your digital wallet or through Cairo Amman Bank.
      – Please note that it may take up to 14 days from the date of your interview with UNHCR for your cash assistance for voluntary return to be available.
   2. You will receive an SMS from UNHCR once the cash assistance for voluntary return is deposited.
   3. You’ll be able to collect the cash through your Digital Wallet.
      1. The cash will be available immediately once transferred. For instructions on how to withdraw the assistance from your digital wallet, please follow the steps in the mobile app.

8. Make Your Travel Arrangements
   1. After collecting the cash, you have 15 days to depart Jordan and return to Syria.
   2. You must approach SRAD to confirm your date of travel and plan for the sale or hand-over of your shelter prior to departure to obtain your clearance document from SRAD.
      Note: Refugees cannot depart the camp unless they have finished the clearance procedures.

Please note: Your UNHCR file in Jordan will be closed once UNHCR receives information from the Government of Jordan that you have exited Jordan. Once your case is closed, you will no longer be eligible for services or protection from UNHCR Jordan and its partners.

9. Departure from Jordan
   1. UNHCR staff are present at the Jaber Border crossing during working hours Sunday-Thursday should any assistance be required.
   2. If you face any difficulties, please contact UNHCR’s helpline (06-4008000).

UNHCR will not provide transportation for refugees residing in Azraq or Za’atari Camp who receive cash assistance for voluntary return. Refugees who receive cash assistance for voluntary return are expected to organize and coordinate their own travel arrangements (for both passengers and luggage) from the camp to Syria within 15 days of receiving the cash assistance.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), however, will continue to provide limited busing support in both Azraq and Za’atari refugee camps for a limited time. Your UNHCR interviewer can provide more information during your interview on whether this assistance is available to you and how to enroll. If you are residing in Azraq Camp, you can reach IOM on their helpline (0798144044) to inquire about their transportation assistance.

However, refugees residing in Village 5 of Azraq camp will still receive transportation support from UNHCR and/or IOM, in addition to cash assistance to facilitate the process for refugees given the additional logistical challenges they may face during their return.

Refugees living in host communities are not eligible for voluntary return cash assistance. However, they may contact UNHCR through the Helpline to request transportation assistance.

Please only apply for the program if you are sure of your decision to return to Syria. The cash grant for voluntary return is intended to support those who have made a clear, voluntary, and well-informed decision to return and re-establish their lives in Syria; it is not meant to support those who wish to remain in Jordan.

However, if you have changed your mind and do not wish to return, you will be required to return the cash assistance you received for return. Only if you return the assistance will UNHCR be able to inform the government that you will no longer be returning.  In this case, your file will remain active with UNHCR. You will be able to apply for return assistance in the future should you decide to return.

If you are still uncertain, we encourage you to take more time and speak with UNHCR for advice and information before applying. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call the Helpline.

If you change your mind about returning, please call UNHCR’s Helpline at 06-4008000 as soon as possible so we can update your case. This helps us ensure you continue to receive appropriate support and services.

UNHCR is here to support you in making a safe, voluntary, and informed decision that is best for you and your family. You are never under pressure to return.

No. UNHCR is not promoting returns. Returning to Syria is a major decision that must be made carefully and based on your personal situation and not because support is being offered.
If you have already made a firm and voluntary decision to return, this assistance is simply meant to help you cover essential costs related to the journey as you deem fit. The decision to return is entirely your own.

Just like refugees choosing to return to Syria without UNHCR’s assistance, if you make the decision to return voluntarily to Syria with UNHCR’s cash assistance for voluntary return, your UNHCR file in Jordan will be closed once UNHCR receives information from the Government of Jordan that you have exited Jordan.

Only individuals who left Jordan with an “Exit and Return Permit” issued by the Ministry of Interior are allowed to apply for the reopening of their file upon their return to Jordan.

UNHCR will share your name with the Government of Jordan as a recipient of the cash assistance for voluntary repatriation- this is conducted in line with the data sharing agreement between UNHCR and the Government of Jordan. If you receive the cash assistance for voluntary repatriation, you are expected to depart Jordan within 15 days.

The Government of Jordan will in turn inform UNHCR of your departure date after you leave Jordan. Your file with UNHCR Jordan will be closed once UNHCR has received confirmation that you have departed Jordan.

UNHCR is required to share information with the Jordanian Government regarding applicants who receive cash assistance but do not depart within 15 days. In such cases, UNHCR will follow up with these applicants to explain the implications.