The Egyptian government is taking steps to improve its social insurance services through the launch of an electronic portal. The portal, currently in its final testing phase, will allow citizens to access various services without having to physically visit the agency's offices. According to Gamal Awad, head of the National Social Insurance Agency, the portal will enable employers to submit necessary documents and requests electronically, reducing the need for in-person visits.
The new electronic system aims to address issues related to insurance coverage, particularly for workers in the informal sector. Awad highlighted that some employers tend to underreport their employees' wages to minimize their insurance contributions. To combat this, the agency is working to link its database with that of the Egyptian tax authority. This will enable the agency to verify the accuracy of wage reports and ensure that employers are making the required contributions.
The National Social Insurance Agency is also working to expand its coverage to include workers in the gig economy, such as delivery drivers. Awad announced that the agency has signed an agreement with a company to insure delivery drivers and is set to sign a protocol soon. The insurance coverage will be implemented through a technical system that aligns with the new electronic portal, allowing the agency to collect contributions and provide insurance coverage to these workers.
According to Awad, the agency has approximately 14 million insured individuals, based on data from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics. He emphasized that the agency is committed to enhancing its services and expanding its coverage to include more workers, particularly those in the informal sector. The agency's efforts aim to provide better social protection for workers and ensure that they receive the benefits they are entitled to.
The new insurance law, which is currently in effect, requires workers in the informal sector to pay only their share of insurance contributions, while the state covers the employer's share. Awad explained that workers' contributions amount to 10% of the minimum insurance wage, which is currently set at 2,700 Egyptian pounds per month. This means that workers' monthly contributions would be 270 pounds.
The National Social Insurance Agency is also working with the Ministry of Labor to insure delivery drivers, particularly those working for large companies with a significant number of workers. Awad noted that the agency is testing a model with one company that has around 500 delivery drivers and aims to use this as a pilot for future implementation.
The agency's efforts to enhance its services and expand its coverage are part of a broader effort to improve social protection for workers in Egypt. By leveraging technology and streamlining its processes, the agency aims to provide better services to workers and ensure that they receive the benefits they are entitled to. The agency's goal is to provide more efficient and effective services to its citizens.
Key points
- The Egyptian government is launching an electronic portal to improve social insurance services and expand coverage to workers in the informal sector.
- The National Social Insurance Agency is working to link its database with that of the Egyptian tax authority to verify wage reports and combat underreporting.
- The agency aims to insure workers in the gig economy, such as delivery drivers, through a technical system that aligns with the new electronic portal.
