Syrian Government Suspends Salaries for Hundreds of Thousands
ARK News.. As Syrians endure severe economic hardships, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the number of employees dismissed following the fall of the Assad regime.
According to Syrian Interim Finance Minister Mohammed Aba Zaid, approximately 350,000 employees have been removed from government payrolls. He claims these individuals were hired through nepotism and corruption under the former regime.
Currently, Syria has around 900,000 active government employees, but they have yet to receive the 400% salary increase promised by the new government.
Syrian economist Abed Fadhila, a professor at the University of Damascus, told Al Arabiya that the 400% salary increase has not yet materialized, citing the country's fragile financial situation.
"The economic reality does not allow for such an increase," he explained, highlighting that wages remain extremely low, and job opportunities are scarce.
Fadhila clarified that those removed from payrolls have not been outright dismissed but rather placed on mandatory paid leave for three months. During this period, their employment status will be reviewed. Employees who prove regular attendance may be reinstated, while those found lacking will be officially dismissed.
Two economic experts questioned the official numbers, arguing that the true number of affected individuals is much higher.
Veterans & Retirees: Approximately 1 million people have had their salaries suspended, including retired military personnel and 400,000 former civil servants.
Military & Security Dismissals: 250,000 to 300,000 personnel from the Ministries of Defense and Interior, including traffic police, have been removed.
Civilian Sector Layoffs: Around 400,000 employees from health, industrial, and economic sectors have also been dismissed.
While the government insists this process is part of a restructuring effort, many affected individuals face financial uncertainty, exacerbating Syria’s already dire economic crisis.
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