Refugees in Middle East could face forced repatriation

Subject

Middle Eastern response to EU Syrian refugee policy.

Significance

Stricter EU migration policies have triggered mixed responses from Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, where most of the 5 million refugees who have fled the Syrian conflict now live. On the one hand, they have tightened border control and are seeking opportunities for repatriation. On the other, there are opportunities for lucrative agreements with international donors aimed at managing the refugee crisis within the region.

Impacts

• Local-level agreements in Syria will pave the way for repatriation.
• A political crisis in Lebanon could undermine the government's ability to facilitate the transfer of Syrian refugees.
• More Syrian refugees are likely to be displaced in the long term, causing tensions in Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon.