Back to Syria? : conflicting patterns of mobility among Syrian refugees in Jordan

Abstract

Over the past two years, Jordan has adopted harsher polices towards refugees by periodically closing its borders and limiting access to employment opportunities as well as health and educational facilities. Against the backdrop of their deteriorating situation in Jordan, large numbers of Syrian refugees have expressed a desire to leave this host country. Many of them see migration as a way of escaping their hardships in Jordan. However, even when the leaving is not in doubt, the destination is. By focusing on Syrian refugees living in Jordan, this article will look at the consequences of their protracted displacement. what will be argued here is that the refugees’ decision to travel cannot be reduced to a mere self-interest or cost–benefit analysis. Seeking refuge has to be understood as the outcome of a complex process of decision making motivated by a range of factors, not least the refugees’ affective relationship with their country.