Ministry of Interior Embarks on Major Overhaul of Administrative Services
The Ministry of Interior has launched a significant reform of its administrative services, separating the functions of the judicial police from administrative tasks within police stations. The goal is to streamline procedures, improve public reception, and alleviate the workload of agents.
A Well-Received Reform
This reform marks a decisive step towards a modernized and citizen-centric administration. Recent announcements from the Ministry of Interior regarding the overhaul of administrative services in police stations have been widely welcomed by citizens and agents alike.
End of Administrative Ordeal
For users, this reform puts an end to a long-denounced administrative ordeal, characterized by endless queues, delays in processing and issuing essential documents (identity cards, passports, judicial records), and confusion between services. By simplifying procedures and reducing waiting times, the administration is finally responding to a strong social expectation.
Creation of Dedicated Administrative Units
The measure to create dedicated units for administrative tasks within police stations is also seen as a breath of fresh air for law enforcement officers. Until now, police officers were responsible for both judicial and administrative missions, which significantly increased their workload and often created tension with the public. The separation of functions should allow for a better distribution of tasks and a notable improvement in the relationship between police officers and citizens.
Police Stations Repurposed for Better Public Reception
At the heart of this reform is the separation between judicial and administrative services within police stations. The stated goal is to make these spaces welcoming and public service-oriented, similar to traditional administrative counters, while maintaining their security mission. This restructuring will enable the creation of a more direct and user-friendly interface between the state and its citizens.
Digitalization of Administrative Services
This transformation is currently accompanied by an accelerated digitalization of administrative services. Two electronic platforms have already been set up:
- The first platform automatically informs citizens when their documents (identity cards, passports, etc.) are ready.
- The second platform, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education, is specifically dedicated to high school students. It allows them to initiate the process of obtaining their national identity card without having to travel. Equipment will soon be installed in schools to finalize procedures on site, according to radio statements from certain officials within the Ministry of Interior.
Introduction of Electronic Identity Cards and Biometric Passports
Another major innovation is the upcoming introduction of electronic identity cards and biometric passports. These documents, which conform to international standards, will improve security, combat fraud, and facilitate administrative procedures both nationally and internationally.
An Administration in Tune with Citizen Expectations
These reforms are part of the orientations emanating from the highest level of the state, which advocates for a concrete rapprochement between the administration and citizens, as well as for the modernization of institutions based on transparency and social justice. By establishing a more proximal, rapid, and efficient administration, the Ministry of Interior is part of a global vision of refounding public action. It thus affirms its will to place the citizen at the center of public policies.
Pillars of a New Administrative Era
The reorganization of police stations, the digitization of administrative procedures, the simplification of procedures, and the introduction of electronic documents constitute the pillars of a new administrative era. This reform embodies a clear political will to make the administration a true public service, serving all Tunisians without exception.
Implementation and Funding
It goes without saying that a reform of this magnitude, widely desired by citizens and police officers, requires not only additional budgetary credits but also sustained training programs. It is essential to mobilize the necessary means to make a clear break with the classic image of police stations, which has sometimes contributed to deteriorating the perception of the police force and deepening the gap between agents and citizens.
