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Undoubtedly, payroll is a critical aspect of any organization. The Pay cycle is a notable feature that provides a sense of accountability for an employee to be paid consistently for their work. 

The payroll cycle is Monthly. 

There is no statutory requirement to pay the 13th or the 14th month salary.

Average Wages in Syria range between SYP 71,515.00 to SYP 185,940.00 per month

Employers are required to compensate workers for overtime hours at the standard hourly wage plus a 25% supplement for day work and a 50% supplement for night work. This rate is doubled for overtime hours worked during official holidays.

Companies must retain employee records for a minimum of five years.

The Syrian constitution prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, and gender, but there are no specific laws against discrimination in employment.

Here are some of the factors that are typically considered when hiring employees in Syria:

1. Syrian Nationality 
2. Fluent in Syrian

Some common onboarding documents include:

1. Employment contract: This document outlines the terms and conditions of the employee's employment, including their salary, benefits, and termination provisions.
2. Tax form: This form is used to collect the employee's tax information.
3. Background check authorization form: This form authorizes the company to conduct a background check on the employee.
4. Company handbook: This document outlines the company's policies and procedures.
5. Job description: This document outlines the duties and responsibilities of the employee's position.

New employees in Syria may also be required to provide the following:

1. Copy of their passport or national ID card.
2. Copy of their educational qualifications.
3. Copy of their work permit 
4. Copy of their medical certificate

The maximum probation period for workers in Syria is three months. This applies to all employees, regardless of their position or experience

Syria observes the following holidays:

• 1 January - New Year's Day
• 8 March - Revolution Day
• 21 Mar - Mother's Day
• 9 April - Easter Sunday
• 16 April - Orthodox Easter Sunday
• 17 April - Independence Day
• 21 April - Eid al-Fitr Holiday
• 23 April - Eid al-Fitr Holiday
• 22 April - Eid al-Fitr Holiday
• 1 May - Labour Day
• 6 May - Martyrs' Day
• 28 June - Eid al-Adha Holiday
• 29 June - Eid al-Adha Holiday
• 30 June - Eid al-Adha Holiday
• 1 July - Eid al-Adha Holiday
• 19 July - Islamic New Year
• 27 September - Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
• 6 October - Tishreen Liberation Day
• 25 December - Christmas Day

Employees in Syria are entitled to 15 days of paid annual leave per year for the first five years of service, and 21 days of paid annual leave per year for more than five years of service. Annual leave can be taken in one or more blocks, but it must be taken within a three-year period.

Employees in Syria are entitled to paid sick leave for up to 14 days per year. Sick leave is only available for employees who are certified sick by a doctor.

Female employees in Syria are entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, which can be taken before or after the birth of the child

Employees are also entitled to an additional four weeks of paid leave if they adopt a child.

Employees have the right to pilgrimage leave with full pay, once during their entire employment, based on the following terms:

1. 30 days for Muslims
2. 7 days for Christians

The pilgrimage leave is granted after a minimum of five years of continuous employment with the same employer.

Workers shall be entitled to death leave of five days, with full pay, for the death of an ascendant, descendant, sibling or spouse.

1. Less than one year - One month
2. One to five years - Two months
3. More than five years - Three months

Severance pay is calculated based on the employee's length of service. For each year of service, the employee is entitled to one month's salary.

To obtain a work permit in Syria, foreign nationals must follow a specific process and provide the necessary documents:

1. Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity beyond the intended date of departure from Syria is mandatory.
2. Visa: Foreign nationals, except citizens of Jordan and Lebanon, require a visa to enter Syria. Visas can be obtained at Syrian embassies or consulates abroad or upon arrival at Damascus International Airport.
3. Employment Contract: A signed employment contract outlining the terms and conditions of employment, including salary, benefits, and job duties, is required.
4. Medical Certificate
5. Police Clearance Certificate
6. Photo
7. Visa Application Form

Most common types of legal and background checks conducted in Syria are:

• Employment Verification
• Identity Verification
• Education Verification
• Medical Examinations