On May 8, 2025, news reports confirmed that the U.S. has approved Qatar's $29 million support for Syrian public sector salaries. This significant development comes as part of a broader effort to stabilize Syria's economy, which has been severely impacted by over 13 years of civil war. According to Reuters, the U.S. has removed sanctions on the agreement, allowing Qatar to begin its crucial financial support for Syria’s monthly wages.
The financial support is expected to start rolling out next month in June 2025 and will be distributed over three months, with the possibility of extension. The Syrian Minister of Finance, Mohammad Barnieh, stated that the grant would cover the salaries of over a million workers in the health, education, and social affairs sectors, as well as non-military retirees. "We thank the Qatari government for the generous grant provided to pay part of the current wages and salary bill," Barnieh said in a statement carried by the state news agency SANA.
This initiative comes at a time when Syria's basic infrastructure remains in disrepair, largely due to the extensive damage inflicted during the civil war. The financial backing from Qatar is seen as a lifeline for the public sector, which has been crippled under the weight of U.S. sanctions imposed after the civil war began in 2011. These sanctions were enacted due to the Assad regime's human rights abuses, alleged support for terrorism, and suppression of civil uprisings.
Last week, Qatar and Saudi Arabia announced their plans to settle Syria’s outstanding arrears to the World Bank Group, estimated at around $15 million. This shows a concerted effort by these nations to assist Syria in its recovery. Qatar has been a steadfast supporter of the Syrian government, especially after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. The Gulf nation was the first to host a diplomatic mission for the Syrian opposition in its capital, Doha, and has actively engaged in supporting the new authorities.
In March 2025, Qatar also contributed to alleviating Syria’s severe energy crisis by supplying 400 megawatts of electricity daily to the Deir Ali power plant through neighboring Jordan. This energy support is critical as the country struggles to restore essential services to its citizens.
Finance Minister Barnieh expressed gratitude to the U.S. Treasury Department for its "quick response to facilitate the grant," highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing Syria's economic challenges. The funding arrangement, however, comes with conditions. A Syrian financial source indicated that the funding would be directed solely to civilian public-sector civil servants, explicitly excluding the interior and defense ministries.
Despite the positive developments, Syria's interim authorities have been advocating for the lifting of international sanctions since they ousted the longtime strongman Bashar al-Assad. Barnieh expressed hope that this financial aid would be a precursor to further measures aimed at reducing sanctions and strengthening confidence in Syria's financial system.
On his first visit to Europe, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa remarked that the continued EU sanctions against Syria were unjustified. He urged European leaders to reconsider their stance, especially in light of the new government's efforts to stabilize the country. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this sentiment, suggesting that a gradual lifting of European economic sanctions could be warranted if the new Islamist authorities demonstrate stability.
As the situation in Syria evolves, the financial support from Qatar marks a significant step towards rebuilding the nation’s economy and supporting its citizens. The collaboration between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. highlights a growing recognition of the need for international engagement in Syria's recovery process. The coming months will be crucial as the financial aid begins to flow, and its impact on the public sector and overall stability of Syria becomes clearer.
