Two official documents have revealed inconsistencies in the Syrian government's decisions regarding foreign currency transactions, threatening to increase the cost of humanitarian programs and undermine the effectiveness of international funding.
According to a memorandum issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on April 19, 2026, international organizations operating in Syria were granted an additional six-month exemption allowing them to conduct payments and contractual settlements in US dollars, with the aim of ensuring the continuity of humanitarian and development activities.
Conversely, on May 3, 2026, the Central Bank of Syria issued a circular obligating banks and organizations to pay the salaries of local employees exclusively in Syrian pounds, prohibiting payment in US dollars.
The circular also imposed restrictions on contracts with local suppliers, allowing them to be priced in US dollars but stipulating payment in Syrian pounds, particularly for contracts signed after May 15, 2026.
This discrepancy reflects a clear gap between the facilitations announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the implementation mechanisms imposed by the Central Bank, placing international organizations under complex operational constraints.
Humanitarian sources expect this situation to lead to financial losses due to exchange rate differences, and an actual reduction in the volume of aid provided inside Syria.
Zaman Al Wasl
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