From 1 August, the Assad regime will force Syrians visiting their country to exchange USD $100 for Syrian pounds.
As the official exchange rate is 53% of the actual rate in the black market, the new requirement is effectively an entry tax.
Why was it imposed?
While the tax will give the regime a new source of US dollars, I think it primarily aims to filter out the least fortunate Syrians abroad from returning as the situation, especially in Lebanon, continues to deteriorate by the hour.
I told Enab Baladi…(starting at 11th paragraph)