Jordan takes steps to support Jerusalem’s Palestinians
Palestinian Jerusalemites hope that Jordan's announcement of a reduction in passport fees for them, and an easier application process, signal an effort by Amman to become more involved in defending their rights.
The Jordanian government's decision to reduce fees on passports for Palestinians in Jerusalem has revived hopes of a larger role for the kingdom in defending the rights of Jerusalemites.
On Sept. 4, the Civil Status and Passports Department (CSPD) reduced passport fees from 200 Jordanian dinars ($281) to 50 dinars ($70) and allowed Jerusalem residents to apply for passports from the city instead of having to travel to Jordan.
CSPD Director Fawaz Shahwan told Al-Monitor that the decision was taken to help ease life for Jerusalemites. “Starting Sept. 4, Palestinians in Jerusalem can go to the Islamic [Waqf] courthouse in Jerusalem, apply for a new or renewed passport and within a week have the newly issued passport delivered to their homes,” Shahwan said. He noted that an agreement between Jordan Post and the Wasel Company, a Palestinian package delivery service, has helped facilitate the delivery of official documents.
Wasfi Kilani, executive director of the Hashemite Fund for the Restoration of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock, told Al-Monitor that the decision to reduce passport costs was part of a broader attempt to support the “sumud” (steadfastness) of Jerusalemites. “With clear instructions from His Majesty, King Abdullah, we have been working on a comprehensive plan that aims at strengthening the presence of our people in Jerusalem,” Kilani said.
