Algiers, December 18, 2025 – Attempts to disrupt the disbursement of the national travel allowance have been thwarted, according to the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Algeria, Mohamed Ben Bahan.
Speaking on national radio earlier today, Ben Bahan emphasized that the directives surrounding the travel allowance are designed to protect Algerian citizens and their dignity. He highlighted the significant increase in the allowance, noting that the President had raised it approximately eightfold, enabling citizens to benefit through various banks.
The Deputy Governor further explained that an initial assessment was conducted several months after the implementation of the directive to monitor the process and safeguard the national economy. This assessment revealed instances of certain groups exploiting the system to obtain the allowance.
In response, the Bank of Algeria issued a cautionary notice in August, reminding citizens that the travel allowance is a personal benefit. Ben Bahan reiterated the state’s commitment to protecting citizens from those attempting to manipulate the system.
“The recent measures concerning the travel allowance are regulatory and intended to protect the national economy; they are neither punitive nor exclusionary,” Ben Bahan stated. The government remains dedicated to ensuring the fair and efficient distribution of the travel allowance to all eligible citizens, while actively combating any attempts at abuse.
Authorities are taking steps to ensure the allowance serves its intended purpose of facilitating international travel for Algerian citizens, while simultaneously preventing its misuse by unscrupulous individuals seeking to exploit the system for personal gain.
