Date of publication:
09/30/2026
Jordan
Do domestic laws and policies provide for protection from expulsion of refugees?
Assessment by population
Analysis
Jordan does not have a dedicated legal framework regulating the expulsion of refugees. The country is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol and has not enacted a national asylum law. In the absence of such legislation, the removal of non-nationals, including refugees and asylum seekers, is governed by general immigration and security laws, primarily the Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs Law No. 24 of 1973 and related national security provisions.
In practice, Jordan’s approach reflects restraint and respect for humanitarian principles. Deportations of recognized refugees are rare and generally limited to cases involving serious criminal offenses or threats to national security. However, Article 37 of Law No. 24 of 1973g rants the Minister of Interior broad discretion to deport any foreign national. This provision does not distinguish between refugees, asylum seekers, and other non-nationals, and it does not establish formal procedural safeguards, due process guarantees, or an explicit prohibition on refoulement.
Refugee cases are generally processed under the same discretionary procedures as those for other non-citizens. Despite these legal limitations, Jordan has consistently demonstrated a humanitarian approach through administrative practices and its longstanding cooperation with UNHCR, ensuring that recognized refugees are generally protected from forced return and have access to protection and essential services.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of Jordan and UNHCR
- Year: 1998
- Type: Other
- Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality, Integration & Public Affairs, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
Legal provision
Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of Jordan and UNHCR - Generic
Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of Jordan and UNHCR - Generic
Law No. 24 of 1973 on Residence and Foreigners' Affairs
- Year: 1973
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Nationality, Integration & Public Affairs, Documentation
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/node/14194
Legal provision
Law No. 24 of 1973 on Residence and Foreigners' Affairs - Generic
Law No. 24 of 1973 on Residence and Foreigners' Affairs - Generic