The active population in figures

Note: (e) Estimated data

Working conditions

Legal weekly duration

42 hours.

Retirement age

60 in the civil service.

Working contracts

The law is very specific and precise regarding the contracts of employment. The sources of labor legislation in the Syrian Arab Republic are law n°91 of  April 5, 1959 and legislative decree n°49 of  July 3, 1962. The contract must be drawn up in Arabic with a duplicate, with a copy for each party (art. 43, LC). The trial period is stated in the contract, but it cannot exceed 3 months (art. 44, LC). A contract of employment can be established for a short term period or for an unspecified period of time. If it is agreed for a short term period and both parties continue to comply with it after the expiration date, it must be renewed for an indefinite period of time (art. 71, LC).

Cost of labor

Minimum wage

SYP 5,880 (USD118) for the public and private sector.

Average wage

Average monthly gross earnings is between SYP 15,000 and 20,000 (USD 370 - 500 ).

Social contributions

Social security contributions paid by employers: 14% of salary.
Social security contributions paid by employees: 7% of income.

Social partners

Social dialogue and involvement of social partners

The General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) is the organization which represents workers in Syria. Since 1968, a decree has obliged all the country's trade unions to belong to the GFTU. This organization is strictly controlled by the ruling Baath party. It coordinates most aspects of union activity and determines which sectors or activities may create a union or a federation. As a consequence, union action is minimal and strikes are very rare.

Unionization rate

The unionization rate in Syria is 100 %. Belonging to a trade union is mandatory in order to be employed.

Labor regulation bodies

Syrian Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.