Syria News Wire

All state employees are getting an unexpected bonus of 40% this month.

With the average wage of US$300, that equates to around an extra $120 in most people’s accounts. It is likely to be a short-term measure to allow families to cope with the increased cost of living: rent and fuel have gone up disproportionately over the past two years.

There is extra good news – the 40% bonus will be exempt from income tax, meaning that its real value is between 44% and 48% ($132-$144).

All employees inside and outside Syria are eligible, as well as companies partly owned by the state (75% holding).