The tax benefits of working in Gaza
If you need to make a little extra money, you may want to consider the benefits of working for an NGO in Gaza. NGO's in 'Palestine' routinely pay triple what any local firm would pay. And if you happen to be in Gaza, that triple salary is also tax free. Various international NGOs working in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) have questioned a demand by the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip to audit their books, saying the move could jeorpardize vital operations.No wonder it seems that the NGO staffs in Gaza never leave their posts.
“We have nothing to hide but obviously there are concerns about what other information they may want to look at or have access to, including beneficiary lists and contact details for staff, which are normally kept in HR folders,” said one aid agency employee who requested anonymity.
According to aid workers, the motives behind the audit are unclear, particularly as the suspension of several major agencies in Gaza would place greater humanitarian responsibility on the shoulders of the Hamas authorities.
Some suspect the demand could be a pre-emptive move by Hamas to begin collecting income tax from agency staff in Gaza. Currently, under a presidential decree from Ramallah, Gaza humanitarian staff do not pay income tax.
But isn't this great? The 'Palestinian Authority' is broke, Hamas is broke and you and I are paying for it, while these NGO's make off like bandits. What could go wrong?
Labels: Gaza, Hamas, your taxes at work
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:51 AM
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