Date of publication:

09/30/2026

Jordan

Do domestic laws and policies provide for the cancellation of refugee status?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

Jordan is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol and does not have a national refugee law. Refugee status in Jordan is primarily managed under the 1998 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNHCR, which establishes administrative procedures for registration, protection, and documentation. Under the MoU, status may be cancelled in specific circumstances, including voluntary repatriation or resettlement to a third country.

While these mechanisms help manage protection in line with recognized standards, they are administrative rather than codified in domestic law, and procedural safeguards such as transparency, individualized assessment, notice, and appeal rights are not formally guaranteed. Decisions are generally not subject to judicial review, which can limit access to remedies and raise concerns under international norms, particularly regarding the principle of non-refoulement and the right to an effective remedy.

Despite these limitations, Jordan has shown a pragmatic and humanitarian approach, working closely with UNHCR to provide meaningful protection and access to essential services. 

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    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

    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