Date of publication:
09/30/2026
Jordan
Do domestic laws and policies provide for fair asylum procedures at first instance?
Assessment by population
Analysis
Jordan does not have a national asylum law and is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, meaning there is no statutory framework in domestic law that establishes procedural standards relating to fair asylum procedures at first instance, such as timelines, evidentiary requirements, or rights to appeal.
In practice, the asylum decision-making process is administered by UNHCR under the 1998 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jordanian government. Access to the RSD process depends on registration with UNHCR and possession of Ministry of Interior (MoI) documentation, leaving unregistered asylum-seekers or those with incomplete records potentially without protection.
The MOU does not establish formal procedures for identifying or referring persons at heightened risk or vulnerable individuals. In practice, UNHCR works in coordination with relevant government institutions and humanitarian partners to identify and assist vulnerable refugees. For children, this includes the implementation of Best Interests Assessments (BIAs) and Best Interests Determinations (BIDs), conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) and the Family Protection and Juvenile Department (FPJD), as appropriate. In addition, Jordan has adopted national mechanisms and action plans to support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), facilitating access to protection, referral pathways, and related services without excluding refugees. Case management and specialized support are also provided for survivors of GBV, trafficking victims, and other individuals with specific protection needs.
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