The Ministry of Finance of Syria has officially announced the issuance of instructions for disbursing a one-time financial grant to state employees to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, following directives from President Bashar al-Assad. This announcement was made on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 07:29 PM, marking an important financial relief aimed at enhancing holiday celebrations for many public servants.
According to the ministry's statement, the directive was established under resolution number 6 dated March 15, 2025, which allows for the disbursement of financial aid to employees of the state, both civilian and military, as well as retired individuals. The grant is expected to be equivalent to one month's salary and will be distributed without any taxes or deductions.
The financial grant is set to benefit state employees working within the borders of the Syrian Arab Republic, as outlined by the decree. Specifically, only those who fall under the categories mentioned are eligible for this allowance, including both civil and military personnel, as well as members of cooperative societies who served before 2011. Employees on special unpaid leave for any duration, on the other hand, will be excluded from receiving this grant.
The financial aid, which encompasses the full amount of salary and relevant allowances, will be disbursed from specific allocations designated for wages and salaries. For administrative entities, the disbursement will reflect their operational budgets, whereas economic entities will use funds titled “cash grants for workers.” This measure allows for flexibility, permitting government agencies to exceed their designated budget limits to accommodate the grants' requirements.
Specifically, the Ministry of Finance mentioned, "تنفيذاً للقرار رقم 6 بتاريخ 15 آذار 2025 المتضمن صرف منحة مالية لمرة واحدة بمناسبة عيد الفطر المبارك" ("Implementing the decision No. 6 dated March 15, 2025, to disburse a one-time financial grant on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr"). This highlights the ministry's commitment to ensuring employees receive this support during the festive season.
The provision extends beyond traditional employees to include temporary, seasonal, and even contract workers, as well as professionals within various sectors, affirming the administration's recognition of the diverse workforce supporting public services.
Eligibility for this grant is also contingent upon the performance of work duties; for example, those assigned to teach on non-permanent contracts must provide evidence of at least six hours of actual teaching per week to qualify. This requirement ensures resources effectively support active contributors to the educational framework.
Authorities have also stated provisions for how the funds will be allocated. Grants will be distributed with careful oversight to prevent misuse, and any amounts exceeding the ordinary budget allowances for salaries must be reported and justified. Financial directors within administrative units are responsible for ensuring accurate management of these funds, maintaining accountability and compliance with the fiscal responsibilities tied to government operations.
Importantly, the grant is entirely tax-exempt, giving state workers immediate financial relief without the burden of deductions, allowing them to use the funds directly for their holiday needs. The ease of access to these funds is intended to alleviate financial pressures as employees prepare for Eid al-Fitr, which is traditionally a time of joy and celebration marked by family gatherings and community festivities.
The significance of this financial grant during Eid is underscored by the current economic circumstances many state employees face, where additional financial support can contribute meaningfully to their quality of life during this special occasion.
The Ministry has confirmed the launch of the disbursement process effective immediately from the day of the announcement. This proactive approach enables employees to receive the financial assistance before Eid al-Fitr celebrations commence, ensuring they can partake fully in the cultural and familial aspects of the holiday.
This initiative by the Syrian government signals not only responsiveness to its workforce's needs but also seeks to bolster morale and support national unity during these challenging times. The financial grant is expected to provide much-needed relief and help maintain the festive spirit of Eid al-Fitr mirroring traditional values of generosity and support among the populace.