Cash Assistance for Voluntary Return to Syria

The cash assistance for voluntary return programme is provided to refugees in Jordan before their departure to Syria, by the office of UNHCR in Jordan. The reintegration support that is provided in Syria to certain families is provided by the office of UNHCR in Syria. These two programs are different and some families may be eligible for both. 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.

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 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 cash assistance, the helpline will inform you accordingly and ask you to answer a few questions. 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 call the helpline for various reasons. We are doing our best to respond to all calls as quickly as possible. Please be patient

Yes. Any Syrian can return without UNHCR’s support at any point.

If you reside in the camp, you must approach SRAD and follow the regular procedures.

All refugees must ensure they have the proper documentation to return to Syria and do not have any debts. Please visit UNHCR’s helpsite General information on returns to Syria page for more information. 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, as this helps preserve family unity and may support a smoother reintegration process in Syria. However, you do not need to return with your entire family to be eligible for voluntary return assistance. If you plan to return separately from other family members, simply inform UNHCR of your travel plans during your voluntary repatriation interview.

The one-time family assistance payment of 210 JOD per eligible UNHCR registration group can only be provided once, regardless of whether family members return together or at different times. If eligible family members plan to return on separate dates, your UNHCR caseworker will explain the available options during the interview.

UNHCR cannot provide voluntary return assistance in situations where family separation would leave children or vulnerable adults in Jordan without appropriate care and support.

Please be aware that any change to the composition of your family registered with UNHCR, including the return of any family member listed on the same file to Syria, may affect the family’s priority and eligibility to benefit from the cash assistance program, and may also result in an adjustment to the amount of assistance the family receives.

For refugees residing in Za’atari, Azraq camps or refugees residing in urban areas, cash assistance for voluntary return is given to individuals and families who decide 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 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 UNHCR
   When 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 in person or telephone, 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.
• UNHCR will also ask that you provide contact information for a friend or relative who will stay in Jordan that we can follow-up with if you are unreachable or to confirm your 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 or provide verbal consent 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. Only for refugees residing in camps: 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. Refugees living in urban areas do not require clearance from SRAD
   2. If you are living in Za’atari or Azraq Camp and wish to sell your caravan before your return, please review the information here

7. Collect the Cash Assistance for Voluntary Return
   1. UNHCR will then submit the names of cleared refugees to receive cash assistance for voluntary return. Refugees residing in urban areas will receive their assistance through Cairo Amman Bank only. Refugees in Azraq and Za’atari Camps will receive their assistance either through Cairo Amman Bank or through their digital wallet.
      1. 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 or Cairo Amman Bank.
      The cash will be available immediately once transferred. For instructions on how to withdraw assistance from your digital wallet, please follow the steps in the mobile app.
      For instructions on how to withdraw assistance through Cairo Amman bank please follow the instructions in the SMS  from UNHCR.
   4. If you face any issues withdrawing your assistance, whether through a mobile wallet or Cairo Amman Bank (CAB), please contact the UNHCR Helpline at 06 400 8000 immediately. Select the Cash Assistance option and report the issue you are facing.
8. Make Your Travel Arrangements
   1. After collecting the cash, you have 15 days to depart Jordan and return to Syria.
   2. If you are residing in Azraq or Za’atari camp, you must approach SRAD and UNHCR 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 and UNHCR.
      Note: Refugees cannot depart the camp unless they have finished the clearance procedures. Refugees in urban areas do not need to undertake any 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).

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, please do not withdraw the assistance from Cairo Amman Bank or your digital wallet.  You will be required to return the cash assistance you received for return if you change your mind about returning. Only if you return the assistance will UNHCR be able to inform the government that you will no longer be returning.  If you successfully return the assistance, 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.

Just like refugees choosing to return to Syria without UNHCR’s assistance, if you make the decision to return 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.

If you receive cash assistance for voluntary return and later re-enter Jordan, your UNHCR case will not be re-opened, even if you can provide proof of authorized re-entry. By accepting cash assistance for voluntary return, you confirm to both UNHCR and the Government of Jordan that you intend to return to Syria permanently. As a result, you waive the possibility of re-opening your UNHCR case in Jordan. This condition forms part of the Government of Jordan’s approval of the voluntary return cash assistance programme.