Syrian Refugees in Jordan: Demographics, Livelihoods, Education, and Health

Since 2011, Jordan has been hosting a substantial number of refugees from Syria. This paper profiles the Syrian refugee population in Jordan in terms of demographic characteristics, participation in the labor market, education, and health outcomes. Syrian refugees are disproportionately young, with half the refugee population under age 15. Despite the availability of work permits, less than a fifth of refugees are working, and those who do work are primarily in informal employment and working without permits. Enrollment rates are well below universal, with many refugee children not returning to school after an interruption, which was often caused by the conflict. Low enrollment rates also suggest that refugees face challenges in persisting in school in Jordan through basic education. Refugees have limited access to health insurance and although most do access health services, they are more likely than Jordanians to rely on charitable organizations and pharmacies as their usual source of care. Despite food supports, refugees, particularly those residing in camps, also suffer from higher levels of food insecurity.