The Ministry of Social Affairs in Tunisia is working on establishing a new social protection system to support individuals who do not meet the requirements for the existing social security programs. This move aims to provide assistance to those who are not eligible for the current programs due to their financial situations or property ownership. The new system will provide social interventions funded by the state to cater to the needs of these individuals.
According to Minister of Social Affairs, Issam Al-Hamr, the ministry is preparing a draft law to amend the basic law related to the establishment of the social security program. The amendment will allow for a new mechanism for social protection that includes individuals who are currently excluded from the existing programs. The minister explained that some individuals are unable to benefit from the current programs due to their property ownership or financial situations.
The new social protection system will address the situations of individuals who are not eligible for the existing programs. The minister stated that some individuals own land or have sold their property, which disqualifies them from benefiting from the current programs. Additionally, some individuals do not have the financial means to participate in the social security system or pay the required contributions.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has also decided to review the mechanism for withdrawing financial assistance when beneficiaries start economic projects. The minister stated that the ministry will continue to disburse transfers during the initial phase of the project and will not automatically stop financial transfers once the beneficiary obtains a tax identification number.
The minister added that the beneficiary's situation will be subject to a new social evaluation after two or three years to determine the success and stability of the project. This evaluation will help determine whether to continue or stop financial transfers. The ministry has also expanded the number of beneficiaries of free health cards, with approximately 24,800 new beneficiaries in 2026.
The number of beneficiaries of free health cards is expected to exceed 25,000 by the end of 2026, according to the minister. This increase is attributed to the review of procedures for granting health cards and expanding the circle of beneficiaries. The ministry has issued a circular to address some issues related to granting health cards, particularly in emergency health situations.
The new procedures allow for the granting of health cards in emergency situations without waiting for the file to be presented to the competent committee. The minister emphasized that these changes are based on constitutional provisions that guarantee the right to free treatment for families with limited income and aim to avoid denying individuals treatment due to procedural complexities.
Key points
- The Ministry of Social Affairs in Tunisia is introducing a new social protection system to support individuals who do not qualify for existing social security programs.
