The Ministry of Social Affairs in Tunisia has developed draft laws on telework and the digital platform economy, as announced by Minister Issam Lahmar on October 9, 2026, in Hammamet. These laws aim to bring Tunisian legislation in line with international norms, particularly the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 193. The proposed laws will define the necessary guarantees to protect workers in these new sectors.
Minister Lahmar emphasized the need to integrate mediation of individual and collective labor conflicts into the Labor Code. He made these remarks at the opening of a seminar organized by the Tunisian Association of Labor Inspectors (ATIT) on the theme "What future for the Labor Code in the face of digital challenges?" The minister stressed the urgency of modernizing the Labor Code, which no longer fully responds to the changes in the world of work, particularly with the impact of artificial intelligence and technological advancements.
According to Minister Lahmar, the legislative overhaul is essential to accompany technological transformations, support economic growth, and meet the aspirations of new generations while strengthening relationships between employees and employers. The reform aims to guarantee the sustainability of medical coverage and establish a specific social protection system for informal economy workers, taking into account their contribution capacities.
The seminar, which continues until October 9, brings together academics and labor inspectors to discuss the need for a legal framework adapted to the changes in the professional world. Participants, including professors Nouri Mzid and Hafedh Amouri, highlighted the urgency of adapting legislation to digital developments and integrating artificial intelligence and digital tools into education and vocational training programs.
The President of ATIT, Hatem Helal, stated that the seminar's work should lead to practical recommendations aimed at contributing to the reform of the Labor Code. The draft laws on telework and the digital platform economy are expected to provide a more equitable system, accessible to all categories of workers, beyond preserving the financial balances of social funds.
The Ministry's efforts to modernize the Labor Code and adapt it to digital challenges reflect the government's commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the workforce. The proposed laws will provide a framework for the protection of workers in the digital platform economy and telework sectors, ensuring their rights and social security.
The Tunisian government aims to build a more inclusive and equitable social protection system, covering all categories of workers, including those in the informal economy. The reform of the Labor Code and the development of new laws on telework and the digital platform economy are crucial steps towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- The Tunisian Ministry of Social Affairs has drafted laws on telework and the digital platform economy to align with international standards and protect workers' rights.
- The proposed laws aim to define the necessary guarantees to protect workers in these new sectors and provide a more equitable system, accessible to all categories of workers.
- The reform of the Labor Code and the development of new laws are essential to accompany technological transformations, support economic growth, and meet the aspirations of new generations.
