In Jordan, some Syrian refugees willing to risk all to reach Europe

ZAATARI REFUGEE CAMP/AMMAN – Syrian refugees in Jordan have split over the issue of immigration to Europe, with some saying they are willing to risk a dangerous journey just to push their way into the old continent, while others preferred to be the closest to home.  

Abu Abdul Malek (27) is considering moving to a European country if he were “lucky enough”. 

The young refugee from the Syrian city of Daraa said the main reason to consider the “long and risky journey” to Europe was to make a better life with a good income.    

“The situation is not getting better here. I always have the same schedule that makes me bored,” he said in an interview at the Zaatari Refugee Camp on Sunday, Jordan’s largest camp.

Jordan hosts over 1.4 million Syrians, of whom some 650,000 are registered refugees and 85 per cent live among host communities. 

Abu Yousef Hariri fled the violence in his hometown of Daraa and has been in the camp for three years.  

He is dreaming of a better future in Europe. 

On the risks he may encounter on the way to Europe, the desperate Hariri said he was aware but ready to give it a go. 

“I do understand it is kind of a dangerous adventure but I want to take my chances. The situation will not change here so it is better give it a try,” he added. 

“I want to renew my passport through the [Syrian] embassy and then I will go to Turkey and later to Europe,” he added.

Hariri added that he plans to travel alone and then send for his family to join him. 

“Europe was not known or open for refugees in the past but now we can easily get passports from the embassy,” he added.

Jamal Xoubi, a 55-year-old refugee who lives in the northern city of Irbid, said difficulties to find a job opportunity in Jordan may also force him follow suit of thousands of Syrians who crossed into Europe. 

“Rental fees are really expensive here and I need to make ends meet but I cannot afford to do so,” said Zoubi, father of six children.  

However, migrating to the north is not the cherished aspiration for all. 

Abu Mahmoud, who has been in the Zaatari camp for three years, said he does not want to move to Europe, hoping to go back to Syria.  

Moving to Europe may hold him back from returning to his home country. 

“I want to be near my country and stay in an Arab country,” he added.  

Similar sentiments were echoed by Um Mohammad, a mother of six. 

“I do thank Jordan for its hospitality because it was the first country to host us and help us. I want to ask Europe to support the countries that are hosting Syrians,” she said while sitting inside her caravan, adding that traditions and culture in Europe are completely different from her country. 

Alexandra Saieh, OXFAM policy advisor in Jordan, said refugees who came to Jordan did not think in the first place that they would stay for a long time in Jordan.  

“Due to difficulties in obtaining jobs and also due to cut in humanitarian aid to refugees, I think many are thinking of what’s next and everyone wants a better future for their families.  They see that in Europe,” she told The Jordan Times at OXFAM premises in Amman. 

Catherine Osborn, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Protection and Advocacy Adviser, said some 220,000 Syrian refugees who live outside camps in Jordan and are below the national poverty line were told last month they would no longer receive food assistance.  

“For many refugees going to Europe is not an option they prefer but a desperate attempt to protect their families,” she told The Jordan Times via e-mail.   

 Um Mohammad had a plea to European countries. 

“I ask Europe instead of receiving Syrians, please put an end to the war there so that we can all return home,” she added.