Jordan incurs over $12 billion as indirect cost of refugee crisis

A study issued Thursday (September 8th) by Jordan's Planning and International Co-operation Ministry reveals the indirect economic impact of the Syrian refugee crisis on the kingdom between 2013 and 2016 has reached $12.37 billion, the Jordan Times reported.

The study was funded by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) office in Jordan, and implemented by Abu Ghazaleh Consulting.

Planning and International Co-operation Minister Imad Fakhoury said the findings will be an effective tool for Jordan to ask for international assistance.

The kingdom has been facing numerous challenges as a result of the crisis, he said, including a decline in gross domestic product (GDP) growth and mounting budget and trade deficits, along with increased competition over jobs and affordable housing.

Other challenges include pressure on the budget due to additional security costs, subsidies and income loss, as well as major risks posed to social cohesion and stability, and an increase in absolute poverty in refugee-impacted governorates like Mafraq and Irbid, he said.

Talal Abu Ghazaleh said the study focused solely on the indirect impacts of the Syrian crisis, noting that the 2008 Geneva Declaration defines indirect losses as missed resources and opportunities as a result of armed conflicts.

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