Development implications of refugee influxes in Jordan and Egypt: the effects of humanitarian crises on low and middle-income countries in the Middle East and North Africa

Abstract

This thesis aimed to explore and analyse the impacts and influences that forced migration has on development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region that currently host large refugee populations specifically, Jordan and Egypt. It draws out the implications of refugee influxes and the nexus between forced migration and development through a comparative analysis of the consequences of refugee influxes on the economies and societies of these two host countries. Furthermore, the research aimed to synthesise current knowledge of migration-development dynamics, including an assessment of the intended and unintended consequences of development and humanitarian policy interventions on the livelihoods of both refugees and hosting communities. The research argues that sustainable long-term responses to refugee and migrant displacement require a rethinking of the existing dominant models of containment, particularly within the context of Jordan and Egypt. The research also aimed to shed light on sustainable models that develop long-term capability for the various stakeholder groups. This thesis first discusses the purpose of the study and reviews relevant background on the Middle East and North Africa region, including Jordan and Egypt, before identifying the study’s research questions. These were: (1) What are the primary social and economic implications of refugee influxes for development in Jordan and Egypt? (2) How do humanitarian interventions and development policies intersect in shaping responses to protracted refugee crises in Jordan and Egypt? (3) What are the barriers and obstacles that hinder self-reliance and the livelihoods opportunities for refugees and host communities in Jordan and Egypt, and how are these shaped by each country’s structural political and economic context? and (4) What are the lived experiences and perspectives of refugees regarding the effectiveness of humanitarian and development programs designed to support them? The research proceeds to discuss relevant theoretical frameworks and approaches related to analysing and exploring the humanitarian-development nexus and the implications of forced migration for hosting countries. In three separate chapters (6, 7 and 8), the thesis discusses the major themes and sub-themes that emerged from interviews conducted with participants in Jordan and Egypt. These included members of hosting communities, workers in humanitarian organisations and refugees.

Date of Thesis submission	2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Western Sydney University
Sponsors	Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship
Supervisor	Melissa Phillips (Supervisor) & Ayah Abubasheer (Supervisor)