The Tunisian Ministry of Social Affairs is set to reform the country's social security system as part of its 2027 budget plans. Minister of Social Affairs, Issam Al-Hamam, announced that the ministry will review the current social security system and amend the legislative framework governing social interventions. This move aims to improve the care and support provided to people with disabilities and establish non-profit institutions for social development.
One of the key initiatives is the development of a new legal framework that allows for the creation of new social intervention programs through orders and decisions, without the need for lengthy legislative revisions. This will enable the ministry to respond more quickly to emerging social needs, such as providing support to families being relocated from homes at risk of collapse. The minister cited the example of families being relocated, explaining that the new framework will enable the ministry to provide targeted support.
The ministry is also planning a thorough review of the social security system to address financial imbalances. The review will assess the country's economic and social context, as well as the ability of the system to cover its financial commitments. The minister emphasized that the social security system must be tailored to Tunisia's specific needs, rather than adopting models from other countries without consideration for local circumstances.
Another key area of focus is the revision of the 2005 law on people with disabilities, which aims to bring Tunisian legislation in line with international standards. The new law will establish a social system specifically designed to support people with disabilities, taking into account their additional needs, such as healthcare and transportation costs. The ministry is also working on establishing a fund to support people with disabilities and exploring new sources of funding.
The ministry is also planning to establish non-profit institutions for social development, which will operate according to scientific, administrative, and regulatory rules. These institutions will focus on providing care and support to people with disabilities, and will be subject to strict monitoring and evaluation to ensure the quality of services provided. The minister emphasized that these institutions will be funded by the state, but will be required to demonstrate transparency and accountability in their operations.
In addition to these initiatives, the ministry is working to resolve the employment and financial situations of workers in the disability sector. This includes the regularization of the employment status of workers at the International Center for the Promotion of People with Disabilities, who have been facing delays in receiving their salaries. The minister announced that the ministry is working to transfer funding to the center's budget, allowing it to manage its own finances and pay its employees regularly.
The ministry is also developing programs to promote the professional development of specialized education workers in the disability sector. These programs aim to improve the working conditions and social status of these workers, who have been facing difficulties in their careers. The minister emphasized that the ministry is working closely with organizations representing associations in the disability sector to develop these programs and address the accumulated backlog of promotions.
Key points
- Reform of social security system to address financial imbalances and improve care for people with disabilities
- Establishment of non-profit institutions for social development to provide care and support to people with disabilities
- Development of programs to promote professional development of specialized education workers in the disability sector
