Jordan Daily – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the Republic of Korea’s enhanced support for Syrian refugees in Jordan, which will reinforce efforts to assist both voluntary return and support the resilience for the refugees who remain in Jordan.
The USD 3 million contribution in 2025 reflects a significant increase in comparison to previous years. This demonstrates Korea’s commitment to standing with Jordan as a significant refugee hosting country, and highlights Korea’s growing commitment to the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP), a coordinated framework for delivering urgent humanitarian assistance and longer-term development support to those affected by the Syria crisis, including refugees and the communities hosting them.
This contribution arrives when the global funding for refugee situations is under pressure. Korea’s increased contribution stands out as a reaffirmation of solidarity with Jordan’s continued efforts to host a large refugee population, UNHCR said in a statement.
This contribution will support both Syrian refugees who are preparing to voluntarily return to their country and those who remain in Jordan for the foreseeable future. It enables UNHCR to respond to the most vulnerable, providing protection and assistance that reflect diverse needs and evolving circumstances.
The one-year initiative will support activities under the 3RP and UNHCR’s voluntary return programme, aiming to reach more than 10,000 Syrian refugees across Jordan. The contribution will help deliver targeted assistance, including return-related counselling, legal aid, free bus transportation assistance, and cash assistance for voluntary return.
While the situation remains fluid, and return intentions may shift, the context underscores the urgent need for structured, well-supported return interventions that align with international protection standards, which contribute to the realization of sustainable returns. While many refugees in Jordan consider return as an option, many refugees plan to remain in Jordan for the foreseeable future. According to the Enhanced Regional Survey on Syrian Refugees’ Perceptions and Intentions on Return to Syria, only 22 per cent of the respondents in Jordan said in June 2025 that they plan to return to Syria within 12 months.
Against this backdrop, UNHCR continues to prioritize humanitarian assistance for the over 488,000 registered refugees in Jordan, in line with the Government of Jordan’s commitment to supporting refugees.
“The Republic of Korea’s increased support is a timely and meaningful contribution that enables UNHCR to respond to the evolving needs of Syrian refugees in Jordan.”, said UNHCR Representative Maria Stavropoulou. “Whether preparing for a voluntary return or continuing life in Jordan, this gesture of solidarity helps UNHCR uphold protection and dignity for refugees.”
Pilwoo Kim, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Jordan, stated, “Korea’s substantially increased contribution this year is a clear expression of its deep trust in UNHCR’s commitment, dedication, and expertise,” looking forward to helping people in need through close cooperation with UNHCR.
The Ambassador expressed his hope that the enhanced contribution will serve as a lifeline of support for the Syrian people – both those intending to return home and those wishing to remain in Jordan – and emphasized that it also reflects Korea’s deep solidarity with Jordan, which has generously hosted a large number of Syrians.