Syria has witnessed in recent years a significant rise in nominal and real wages compared to the last years of the deposed regime, according to official data.  The minimum wage rose from 278,910 old Syrian pounds ($18) in 2024 to 750,000 Syrian pounds ($65) in 2025, then to 1,256,000 Syrian pounds ($105) in 2026, representing a cumulative increase exceeding 550% compared to wage levels during the last years of the deposed regime.  This increase was accompanied by an improvement in the real value of wages in foreign currency. The minimum wage, estimated at about $18 in 2024, rose to $65 in 2025, then to nearly $105 in 2026, due to higher pay and a relative decline in the exchange rate.  According to official figures, the exchange rate used to calculate wages decreased from about 15,000 Syrian pounds per dollar in 2024 to nearly 11,900 pounds in 2026, which contributed to strengthening household purchasing power.  In 2025, President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued Decree No. 102, increasing salaries and pensions for civilian and military employees, as well as retirees, and raising the minimum wage to 750,000 Syrian pounds per month.  The decree is part of a policy aimed at mitigating the effects of inflation and improving living conditions, within the framework of gradual economic reforms and monetary stabilization.  In a speech delivered on March 20 on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, President al-Sharaa announced a new salary increase of at least 50%, confirming that improving citizens’ income is a priority for the authorities.  He stressed that this measure is part of a broader economic program aimed at supporting the national currency, encouraging production and strengthening investment, in order to ensure a sustainable improvement in living standards.  Recent developments are not limited to a nominal increase. The rise in wages, combined with relative exchange rate stability, has increased the real value of incomes.  While the minimum wage represented only a few dollars during the last years preceding the political change, it now exceeds $100, which constitutes a notable improvement in purchasing power, especially for essential spending.  Economists believe that the increase in incomes translates directly into higher domestic demand, promoting market recovery and the revival of commercial activity.  The increase in wages is also presented by the authorities as an economic policy tool aimed at stimulating growth. Higher incomes contribute in particular to: 1- strengthening domestic consumption, 2-supporting small and medium-sized enterprises,   3- encouraging investment and production & 4- reducing poverty and improving social stability.  According to official economic orientations, wage increases are part of a strategy aimed at restarting the economy after years of contraction and high inflation.  Available indicators suggest that wage increases, combined with relative exchange rate improvement, have begun to produce noticeable effects: 1-improved ability to purchase basic goods, 2-gradual improvement in living standards, 3-recovery of commercial activity in markets & 4-renewed confidence in economic conditions.  However, specialists stress that the continuation of this improvement will depend on the growth of national production and the ability to maintain monetary stability.  The successive wage increases in Syria mark a notable economic turning point.  With an increase of more than 550% in the minimum wage, an improvement in its dollar value, and a new 50% increase announced on March 20 by President al-Sharaa, the authorities aim to strengthen citizens’ purchasing power while reviving economic activity.  These measures, accompanied by decrees and relative exchange rate stabilization, are presented as a central element of current economic policy, aimed at supporting consumption, restoring confidence and promoting recovery. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Syrian Arab News Agency