Damascus Restricts Communication Between Organizations and International Entities… Civil Society Gripped by Concern
The new measures reflect an official shift towards tightening control over funding channels and external communication for civil organizations, posing a threat to the independence of humanitarian and
March 17, 2025, 6:27 pm

Damascus Restricts Communication Between Organizations and International Entities… Civil Society Gripped by Concern

الشرع وبيدرسن يبحثان مستقبل سوريا السياسي

The Directorate of Social Affairs and Labor in Damascus issued Circular No. 2391, imposing strict restrictions on the communication of civil and humanitarian organizations with international entities and donors, requiring that all correspondence and projects pass exclusively through the Directorate of Planning and International Cooperation.

The directive, signed by Mahmoud Ali Al-Khatib, Director of Social Affairs and Labor in Damascus, mandates that organizations refrain from directly contacting international organizations, UN agencies, international partners, or Arab unions. It also forbids communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the exchange of project documents, proposals, and cooperation plans, unless done through the Directorate of Planning and International Cooperation.

Additionally, the circular requires organizations to "adhere to the contents of approvals granted to international organizations and UN agencies, refrain from undertaking any activities not explicitly approved, and coordinate with the Directorate of Planning and International Cooperation regarding such matters."

According to official rhetoric, the decision aims to "organize international cooperation files, prevent duplication of coordination, and ensure the government receives comprehensive tracking reports on implemented activities, including all necessary approvals and procedures."

The decision has sparked mixed reactions within civil society. Some observers argue that the measure effectively turns organizations into government-controlled entities, granting authorities full oversight of their projects and financial transactions while enabling them to block any undesired initiatives.

Other analysts fear that the directive could negatively impact the work of human rights organizations documenting violations, effectively leading to the "death of civil society in Syria."

Conversely, some believe the move is an attempt to pressure the European Union, which refuses to provide direct support to the government and instead channels aid through civil society. They predict that the decision may be difficult to enforce and could eventually be reversed due to its adverse impact on relations with international donors.

The directive also requires organizations to have a coordinator from the Directorate of Planning and International Cooperation present at any meetings with international entities and to submit quarterly implementation reports for all international cooperation projects carried out in partnership with UN agencies or international organizations.

These measures raise concerns about the future of international funding for humanitarian projects in Syria, particularly as the country remains in dire need of aid across various sectors, while donors insist on transparency and independence in project implementation.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.