Amman - As part of a project funded by the Government of Japan, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, the International Organization for Migration IOM has completed the refurbishment of the Consular Section at the Ministry. Through the project, a total of 90 square meters has been enhanced within the Consular Section, allowing for the establishment of ten counters to receive and process the requests of Jordanians and foreigners applying for residency and other procedures. The intervention has served in improving the space dedicated to the waiting area and wash rooms, as well as to equipping the facilities with air conditioning system, computers and furniture. 

“The quality of working space has a positive impact on the services delivered by the front-line officers, no matter if they are deployed at the borders or at the consular section” said Enrico Ponziani, Chief of Mission of IOM. 

The Government of Japan has continuously supported IOM since the beginning of the Syria Crisis, which has enabled the organization to continue its humanitarian border management program to support the Jordanian authorities in facilitating humanitarian operations while protecting the borders. The current two-million USD project “Enhancing the capacity of the Jordanian authorities through targeted infrastructure support at their north-eastern border with Syria”, included the intervention at the Ministry as well as the north borders of the Kingdom. In Jordan, IOM works closely with the Government and the international community to implement the humanitarian border management approach. 

“Since the onset of the Syrian crisis in 2011, Jordan has been playing a major role in securing the lives of many Syrian asylum seekers and refugees. Japan highly appreciates the generosity and readiness of the Government and people of Jordan in receiving the massive number of refugees.” said H.E. Hidenao Yanagi, Ambassador of Japan to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. “As a part of the project, we expect that the capacities of Consular section of MOFA will be enhanced through refurbishment and enlargement of the office space, and that MOFA will be able to improve the consular service for both Jordanians and non-Jordanians.” he added. 

For further information, please contact: 

Laila Tomeh, Senior Emergency Coordinator, ltomeh@iom.int