AiBotAMMAN, Jordan – Syrian refugees living in Jordan are facing a severe economic crisis, with the country’s rising inflation rates putting a significant burden on their already strained finances. A recent interview with multiple Syrian families revealed that their daily expenses have skyrocketed to levels comparable to those in Damascus prior to the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War.
Despite Jordan’s economic growth, the influx of Syrian refugees has put a strain on the country’s resources, leading to increased costs for essential goods and services. The war in Syria, which began in 2011, has led to a massive displacement of people, with over 6 million Syrians fleeing their homeland. Jordan, a neighboring country, has taken in hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees, straining its local economy and infrastructure.
The refugees who spoke to this newspaper reported that their daily expenses have increased significantly, with prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare skyrocketing. A Syrian refugee family living in Amman, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that their monthly expenses have increased from 250 Jordian dinars (approximately $350 USD) to 500 Jordanian dinars (approximately $700 USD), a staggering increase of 100 percent.
“These prices are almost as high as they were in Damascus before the war,” said the family’s father, who is struggling to make ends meet. “We had to get a loan from our relatives to make ends meet, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to repay them.”
The Jordanian government has attempted to address the issue by providing financial assistance to Syrian refugees and implementing policies to regulate the cost of living. However, many refugees are skeptical that these measures will be effective in alleviating the economic hardship they are facing.
“We need more than just financial assistance,” said another Syrian refugee, who has been living in Jordan for over three years. “We need affordable housing, healthcare, and education for our children. Without these basic necessities, it’s going to be impossible for us to rebuild our lives.”
The economic crisis facing Syrian refugees in Jordan is a serious concern, not only for the refugees themselves but also for the Jordanian government, which is seeking to maintain stability and security in the region. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community is calling for increased support and assistance for Syrian refugees, both in Jordan and other neighboring countries.
In a statement, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) urged the international community to provide more support to Syrian refugees, saying “The situation of Syrian refugees in Jordan is becoming increasingly dire, and we are concerned that without sufficient support, they will be unable to meet their basic needs and will be forced to return to their homeland or seek alternative destinations.”
The economic crisis facing Syrian refugees in Jordan is a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Syria and the urgent need for international support to address the root causes of the conflict.