AVSI has been operating in Jordan since 2001 with development cooperation and emergency programs to support the vulnerable local population and the numerous refugees residing in the country, mainly Syrians, but also Iraqis and Palestinians.  

Jordan is recognized as the most stable and secure country in the Middle East, which has led to host one of the world’s largest refugee populations, primarily from Syria, alongside Iraqis, Yemenis, Sudanese, Somalis, and others. The significant influx of refugees and asylum seekers has resulted in notable social tensions and economic difficulties for both Jordanians and refugees alike.

The global pandemic and the impact of the war in Ukraine have intensified pre-existing structural weaknesses in Jordan’s economy. These crises have reignited unresolved social issues within both host communities and the refugee population, placing immense pressure on the country's already fragile macroeconomic environment and exacerbating the precarious conditions faced by a substantial portion of the population.

Jordan heavily depends on humanitarian aid, as it lacks natural resources, particularly water (with 80% of its land being desert), and imports the majority of its goods from neighboring countries.

Tourism, accounting for around 14% of GDP, is one of the few vital sectors of Jordan's economy. After a challenging recovery from the pandemic, the sector has faced setbacks once again since the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7, 2023.

Despite being classified as a middle-income country, nearly one-third of the population—approximately 3.98 million people - live in poverty. The unemployment rate stands at 21.3%, rising to 31.2% for women (Department of statistics, 2025). Jordan ranks low globally in terms of female workforce participation.

Jordan has experienced rapid population growth in recent years due to regional crises and migration. The current population is approximately 11.52 million, with one-third being non-Jordanians.

Although Jordan has not signed the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees, it has consistently welcomed refugees from various nationalities, including large numbers of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza, Iraqis fleeing the Gulf War and ISIS violence, and, since March 2011, a significant influx of Syrian migrants

As of November 2025, approximately  427,351 Syrians are officially registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jordan. Including unregistered refugees, the total reach 1.4 million. Only 19% reside in formal camps located in the northern part of the country, while the remaining 81% live in urban and peri-urban areas, often in precarious conditions and facing social exclusion.

As security conditions improve in parts of Syria, voluntary refugee return remains a key priority for humanitarian actors, governments, and donors. According to UNHCR, nearly 62,500 registered refugees returned to Syria from Jordan between 8 December 2024 and 30 April 2025, with an additional 15,000 returns recorded in May 2025 alone. Despite these movements, the vast majority of Syrian refugees in Jordan do not yet see return as an immediate or viable option. Ongoing security concerns and uncertainty about rebuilding a stable life in Syria continue to weigh heavily on families’ decisions, underscoring the need for sustained humanitarian and development support in host countries such as Jordan.

Through effective collaboration with local municipalities and authorities, AVSI operates in various regions, including the Ajloun governorate in the north, Zarqa and Mafraq in the northeast, and Ma'an (Wadi Musa) and Aqaba in the south.

AVSI focuses on strengthening the economic landscape by creating jobs and providing vocational training.

Over the years, it has executed urban development projects, collaborating with local communities to create development plans for cities and villages. AVSI has rehabilitated infrastructure and improved access to essential services, engaging vulnerable Jordanians and refugees through "cash for work" programs. This strategy not only fosters a sense of community and belonging but also enhances technical skills and offers immediate economic relief to the most disadvantaged families.

AVSI has also worked on rehabilitating archaeological sites, including those in Petra, where it has overseen the establishment of two new tourist routes, as well as projects in Wadi Rum, Rihab, and other locations, utilizing cultural heritage to stimulate new economic activities. Additionally, AVSI promotes vocational training and supports local entrepreneurship in key sectors of Jordan’s economy, such as tourism, sustainable agriculture, and the preservation of artistic and cultural heritage.

AVSI is currently focused on protecting minors and women who have survived or are at risk of abuse and violence, as well as promoting the social inclusion of individuals living with disabilities by providing them with essential health and psychosocial services.

“Boro’om” (2024-2025): This project focuses on creating formal employment opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship in the Mafraq and Aqaba governorates. Also funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, it aims to improve income access for vulnerable Jordanian and Syrian refugee populations, thereby enhancing community resilience and promoting a more accessible and inclusive labor market. The project will last 18 months and is being executed in partnership with ARCS Arci Culture Solidali.

AVSI’s first intervention in Jordan dates back to 2001, through its Distance Support Programme implemented in partnership with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Today, AVSI supports the education of 345 vulnerable girls and boys attending the Latin Patriarchate schools in Zarqa and Anjara. Thanks to the long-standing commitment of Italian private donors, comprehensive psychosocial support is ensured for the children’s families. Beyond regular school attendance, children are accompanied by AVSI social workers and can access remedial classes in Arabic, mathematics, and English, as well as recreational activities including art and music therapy, sports, and community-based initiatives. In 2025, the programme included training on life skills and transversal competencies, art for resilience, and structured sports activities. In addition, 175 school backpacks were distributed, along with support for the purchase of textbooks and coverage of transportation costs.

AVSI also invests in the continuous professional development of 50 teachers, with the aim of strengthening teaching quality and fostering a positive and inclusive school environment.