Syria: Complaints of Pressure on Employees Returning to State Institutions

Syrian employees reported experiencing pressures and measures they described as “arbitrary,” imposed by newly appointed government administrations following a presidential decree issued on August 27 requiring workers to return to their posts starting from early September.

Tens of thousands of employees had been on extended leave since the new authorities took power, before being asked to resume their work. However, employees in Damascus spoke of interviews that focused on their family backgrounds, particularly their connections to individuals who served in the previous regime or held leadership positions.

According to testimonies, some workers at the Ministry of Education were asked to leave their positions again on the grounds of belonging to families linked to officials killed during the previous era, despite being appointed through official competitions. Others reported humiliating situations, including being offered jobs unsuitable for their qualifications.

The employees indicated that these policies might lead to a reduction in the number of workers and their replacement with new contractors receiving high salaries in dollars, despite some lacking experience. They also noted that the majority of those affected belong to the Alawite sect, viewing this as an indicator of potential political motives.

The affected employees called for a review of these procedures and for ensuring respect for employees’ legal and professional rights, free from any unprofessional considerations.