Page 1 — Introduction and Context 
Jordan has long been a host country for displaced people and refugees from across the Middle East, including Palestinians, Iraqis, and most recently Syrians. While the country has shown resilience and generosity, the continuous influx has placed enormous strain on its limited resources. 

As services, housing, and employment become overstretched, ordinary Jordanian citizens increasingly feel the burden. This pressure contributes to growing frustration and has led many Jordanians themselves to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities. 

Page 2 — Historical and Political Background 
Since the mid-20th century, Jordan has absorbed multiple waves of refugees. The arrival of Palestinian refugees after 1948 and 1967 reshaped the demographic and political landscape. Later, Jordan became a temporary home for Iraqis fleeing war and instability. 

The outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011 brought another massive wave, with over a million Syrians crossing into Jordan. The cumulative impact of these refugee flows has stretched the country’s economy and heightened social tensions, despite international aid efforts. 

Page 3 — Strain on Resources and Society 
The influx of refugees has created overlapping challenges: 

- Public services: overcrowded schools, hospitals, and housing. 
- Employment: competition for jobs, often driving down wages. 
- Infrastructure: water, electricity, and transport systems under pressure. 
- Social cohesion: tension between refugees and host communities. 
- Economic burden: reliance on international aid that remains insufficient. 

These conditions make life harder for both refugees and Jordanian citizens, fuelling migration abroad. 

Page 4 — Consequences for Citizens and Society 
For Jordanians, the strain of displacement and refugee influx means fewer opportunities, higher costs of living, and frustration with government responses. Many feel compelled to leave the country in search of work and stability. 

For society, these pressures risk deepening inequality and undermining social cohesion. Jordan’s international reputation as a generous host contrasts with the growing resentment among its own citizens. The exodus of Jordanians abroad further weakens the domestic economy and workforce. 

Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion 
Addressing these challenges requires both domestic reform and stronger international cooperation. 

Key steps include: 
- Enhanced aid: expand international support to ease strain on services. 
- Job creation: policies to expand employment for Jordanians and refugees. 
- Infrastructure investment: upgrade schools, hospitals, and utilities. 
- Community dialogue: reduce tensions between refugees and host communities. 
- Migration support: provide safe and legal pathways for Jordanians seeking opportunities abroad. 

Until such measures are taken, displacement and refugee influx will continue to strain citizens and drive migration, leaving Jordan to balance generosity with the survival needs of its own people.