Jordan Broadens Entry Facilitations for Syrian Investors and Their Families

The Interior Ministry's Decision

Jordan's Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, an expansion of entry facilitations for Syrian investors and businesspeople, as part of broader efforts to simplify procedures and support the national economy. Under the new measure, spouses and children under the age of 18 of eligible Syrian investors may enter Jordan without prior approval.

The decision applies specifically to Syrian investors and businesspeople holding premium or first-class membership cards issued by Syrian chambers of commerce. Jordan had previously extended this facilitation to the investors themselves, allowing them to enter the kingdom freely to follow up on their investments and explore new opportunities.

Business Community Response

The Damascus Chamber of Commerce welcomed the decision as a positive step that would ease the movement of businesspeople, strengthen trade flows, and open wider prospects for partnerships and joint investments. The chamber noted that the measure reflects Jordan's commitment to supporting Syrian investors and advancing economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries, expressing hope that it would pave the way for further steps reinforcing the bilateral economic partnership.

Twinning Agreement Between Irbid and Rural Damascus

In a related development, the Irbid Chamber of Commerce in Jordan and the Rural Damascus Chamber of Commerce in Syria signed a twinning agreement on July 14, 2026, aimed at strengthening economic and commercial relations and expanding cooperation between private sector institutions in both countries. The agreement was signed at the Rural Damascus Chamber's headquarters during a visit by an Irbid Chamber board delegation to Syria.

The agreement outlines implementation programs covering:

• Exchange of trade delegations and organization of exhibitions and economic forums
• Sharing of investment information and facilitation of direct communication between businesspeople
• Improved coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the smooth movement of goods and commodities

Irbid Chamber President Mohammad al-Shouha described the agreement as an important step toward strengthening institutional cooperation between the two chambers. Rural Damascus Chamber President Abdul Rahim Ziada said it established a practical framework for expanding investment and trade opportunities in ways that serve the interests of the business community in both countries.

A Sharp Imbalance in Bilateral Trade

A report issued by Jordan's Department of Statistics reveals a pronounced imbalance in trade between the two countries. Jordanian exports to Syria rose to approximately 101 million Jordanian dinars (around $142.4 million) during the first four months of 2026, up from 73 million dinars (approximately $103 million) in the same period of the previous year, representing growth of 38.4%.

By contrast, Jordan's imports from Syria fell to around 12 million dinars (approximately $16.9 million), a decline of 42.9% compared with 21 million dinars (approximately $29.6 million) during the same period in 2025. The figures point to a widening trade gap heavily in Jordan's favor, underscoring the asymmetric nature of the current commercial relationship.