Syria Announces 200% Wage, Pension Increase
Syria announced yesterday a 200 percent hike in public sector wages and pensions, as it seeks to address a grinding economic crisis following the recent easing of international sanctions.
Over a decade of civil war has taken a heavy toll on Syria's economy, with the United Nations reporting that more than 90 percent of the population lives in poverty.
In a decree published by state media, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued the salary and pension increases in a bid to support the country's recovery.
Workers look on as a truckload of wheat purchased by the Kurdish authorities is unloaded at a silo in the northeastern city of Qamishli.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in 2011 — which began with former ruler Bashar al-Assad's brutal repression of anti-government protests — Syria has faced a painful economic crisis that continues even after Assad's ouster in December by Islamist-led forces.
The war has ravaged the country's infrastructure and industry, while international sanctions have compounded Syria's economic woes.
Economic Sanctions
Al-Sharaa issued a '200 percent increase to salaries and wages… for all civilian and military workers in public ministries, departments, and institutions.'
Under the decree, the minimum wage for government employees was raised to 750,000 Syrian pounds per month, or around $75, up from approximately $25.
A separate decree granted the same 200 percent increase to retirement pensions, as covered under current social insurance legislation.
Support and Challenges
Last month, the United States and European Union announced they would lift some economic sanctions to ease the humanitarian crisis.
Also in May, Syria's Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh said Qatar, a key backer of the new Islamist-led government, would help fund public sector salaries.
Syria currently has around 1.25 million public sector workers, according to official figures.
Many Syrians continue to wait long hours at banks or ATMs to withdraw money due to cash shortages, while prices for basic goods have continued to rise.
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