Date of publication:

09/30/2026

Jordan

Do domestic laws and policies provide for the exclusion from refugee status of persons who are not in need of international protection?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

Jordanian domestic laws do not explicitly set out exclusion criteria for refugee status in accordance with international standards, as defined in Article 1E of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Since Jordan is not a signatory to the Convention or its 1967 Protocol, there is no binding legal framework that incorporates the exclusion clause in Article 1E (i.e., those not in need of international protection due to their regular or permanent residence in a country other than their country of origin, who enjoy rights akin to those of a national). 

In practice, Jordan relies on the 1998 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNHCR, which establishes UNHCR’s role in conducting Refugee Status Determination (RSD). The MoU does not explicitly outline exclusion criteria, but it follows the UNHCR’s mandate, which adheres to the 1951 Convention framework. As a result, individuals who would be excluded under Article 1E of the Convention may still be denied refugee status by UNHCR in Jordan. However, because Jordanian law does not codify these exclusions, the legal consequences of exclusion under domestic law are not defined. 

    LAW & POLICY

    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

    Jordan Response Plan for Syria Crisis
    • Year: 2023
    • Type: Domestic policy
    • Rights Category: Health

    Legal provision

    Jordan Response Plan for Syria Crisis - Generic

    Jordan Response Plan for Syria Crisis - Generic

    Law No. 24 of 1973 on Residence and Foreigners' Affairs

    Legal provision

    Law No. 24 of 1973 on Residence and Foreigners' Affairs - Generic

    Law No. 24 of 1973 on Residence and Foreigners' Affairs - Generic