Relevant authorities within the customs department of the Syrian Interim Government at the Al-Waleed border crossing with Iraq, and the Semalka border crossing with the Kurdistan Region, have begun refusing to accept older US dollar banknotes, commonly known as “White Dollars.” Payment operations are now strictly limited to the newer “Blue Laser” banknotes, a move that significantly increases the financial burdens on those using the crossings.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the process of exchanging old currency for new carries high commission fees. Approximately $40 is deducted for every $5,000 exchanged, forcing traders to bear additional costs amidst already challenging economic conditions.
This measure follows the transition of border management from the Kurdish Autonomous Administration to the Interim Government. The supervising authorities’ refusal to handle older denominations has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among those involved in commercial trade and cross-border movement.
Note: This text is translated from the original Arabic version… Read the Arabic version: Click here
