Reports | 25 05 2020
"Diar Exchange" has now become the exclusive agent of Western Union in Latakia, following the decision to close all other agencies—under the guise of ‘economic offenses’ as proclaimed by the regime government’s Ministry of Economy.
The company’s business continues despite economic sanctions imposed on the Syrian regime—given the fact that Western Union is an American entity. The regime government, on the other hand, seems not to see any economic breach of its vaunted sovereignty; as it—as well as the Central Bank—sorely needs these transfers.
The Only One of its Kind!
Since Diar Exchange has become the unique [money transfer] agency in Lattakia, securing oneself a place in the queue seems very difficult. There is a huge crowd in front of the agency’s offices, which are near the [Establishment for Religious] Endowments and the Real Estate Bank building on the March 8 street. The company opens its doors at nine in the morning, and closes at five in the afternoon—stretching until six, in exceptional cases.
"The waiting period is quite long. It commences with a citizen seeking a transfer trying to secure himself a place in the queue—organized by citizens themselves. Luck, therefore, plays its role in securing a place in front of the queue," says a displaced young man from Aleppo to Latakia. He adds that “the queue can comprise almost 250 people per day. The company only grants remittances to 50-100 thereof."
Trying to secure a place in the queue commences as early as five in the morning, and continues until eight only. At best, only half of those putting their names would meet any luck, with the rest of them returning the following day, to re-register in a new draw. Not to mention those who lined up a full day or a week before.
Long Wait and Bribes!
Many residents and displaced people wait in front of the Diar Exchange offices, on regular monthly intervals—to receive remittances from their relatives. These offer some help to overcome the high cost of living in the city of Latakia, and is controlled by traders and profiteers.
One may be forced to wait six or seven hours in front of the company, to receive no more than a measly $100; which one will receive only in Syrian currency, never in Dollars.
That is not where the difficulties end. The agency’s network may come to a halt; “There is no network, the network is down,” is a recurrent phrase one hears from the agency’s staff, every now and then.
A nonplussed citizen says: “It has been a month now that they’ve been throwing this excuse at us… All internet networks in the city are working—except for theirs" When we inquired with a Diar employee regarding the network problem, he brushed us aside “ go file a complaint."
There are exceptions for everything, however, it seems. “My son sends me a monthly remittance of $150 from Lebanon. I am forced to pay 3,000 [Syrian] pounds to the company employee, and she calls me at the end of the day to hand me my remittance,” says a lady.
Many citizens confirm the existence of favoritism to Rozana, whereby one is exempted from the company queue. These are the cases when one citizen—using an I.D. belonging to regime security, or similar militia, such as the People’s Committees—intimidates others, to skip his turn, secure his need, and not wait like all others!
Predatory Pricing!
The powerful links that associate Diar Exchange owners to security and political parties close to the Syrian regime, seems to allow company officials to abuse citizens. This is manifest whether through the dollar exchange rates they set, or the exorbitant transfer rates; as the company refuses to hand over remittances in any currency other than Syrian Pounds—and at prices much lower than the black market [i.e. the actual price].
For example; when the dollar was set at a rate of 220 versus the Syrian Pound by the Central Bank of Syria B220 pounds, and 300 pounds in the black market; Diar set it at 250 pounds. They also charge a $5 commission for the transfer of $100; and $80 to transfer $1,500.