Since the first of July 2021, Bank of Beirut has been implementing Banque du Liban Circular No. 158 as well as all related Intermediate Circulars concerned with the “Exceptional Measures for the Gradual Withdrawal of Deposits in Foreign Currencies”.

Eligibility

Banks identify the total balances of all foreign currency credit accounts held prior to October 31, 2019.
These balances are calculated as closed on June 30, 2021, on condition that this amount is still available on the date the Account Holder benefits from the provisions of this Circular, and that it does not exceed the balance available on October 31, 2019 after executing specific deductions.

- Eligible amount: a maximum of USD50,000 disbursed monthly as follows:

- Concerning those who benefited from the provisions of this Circular before 01 July 2023:
USD 400 paid either in cash (Banknotes) &/or by transfer abroad &/or by Bank cards that can be used in Lebanon and abroad &/or deposited in a Fresh Account.
- Concerning customers who did not benefit from the provisions of this Circular before 01 July 2023:
USD 300 paid either in cash (Banknotes) &/or by transfer abroad &/or by Bank cards that can be used in Lebanon and abroad &/or deposited in a Fresh Account.
-Eligible currencies: All foreign currencies
-Eligible types of accounts: Individual accounts (Single, Joint, Co-Joint, Minor, Legal heirs, legatees)
-None-eligible types of accounts: Moral Persons, Establishments, Public Sector, Associations, NGOs, Financial Companies….., and clients who are subject to BDL Basic Circular 154 and did not transfer back the required amount.

Clients benefiting from the Basic Circular No. 158 shall not benefit from the Basic Circular No. 166 for any accounts he has, on any individual account, or Joint accounts titled with an “and” or an "and/or" at any bank, throughout the yearly cycle adopted for the implementation of the Basic Circular No. 158, which extends from the first of July till the end of June of each year, during which he benefits from the Basic Circular No. 158.
In case of a joint account, if one of the co-holders benefits from the Circular No. 158, the other co-holder must not benefit from the Circular No. 166 on that joint account; however, he/she may benefit from Circular No. 166 on his/her other accounts if he/she does not benefit from the provisions of 158 during the yearly cycle.

* Eligible clients wishing to benefit from the Circular are invited to sign a Banking Secrecy Waiver waiving the banking secrecy on the Special Sub Accounts opened for the sole reason of benefiting from the Circular. Exclusively in favor of the Central Bank of Lebanon and the Banking Control Commission of Lebanon.

Complaints

Bank of Beirut welcomes any concern, recommendation, suggestion or complaint related to the application of the BDL Basic Circular No. 158 and all related Intermediate Circulars through the following channels:

- Fill in a complaint form available at the premises of our branches, mentioning that the complaints related to BDL Basic Circular No. 158.  Sign it, seal it and place it in the complaint box installed for this purpose.

- Access to online / mobile banking application, select “complaint”.

- Access the “complaint” tab on this website: www.bankofbeirut.com

Our Customer Service remains available 24/7 to answer all queries related to the Circular, through its hotline 1262 from Lebanon or +9611886656 from abroad. You may also reach us through our social media platforms.

Click here to find answers to all questions related to the implementation of the BDL Basic Circular 158.