Obtaining the Chifa card, accessing healthcare in Algeria, preparing for retirement, and safeguarding dependents, even while residing abroad. Such is the ambition of the voluntary enrollment system within the national social security and pension framework, whose nationwide awareness initiative was officially inaugurated jointly by the Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Security, Abdelhak Saihi, alongside the Minister Delegate for the National Community Abroad attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sofiane Chaib, through videoconference from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters.
On this occasion, Mr. Saihi stated that “this meeting aligns with fulfilling the commitments of the President of the Republic to strengthen social protection for members of our expatriate community, reinforce their ties to the motherland, and involve them in national development.” He thus established the focus of the informational session dedicated to the voluntary subscription program for the benefit of Algerians living overseas. He added that this educational campaign aims to clarify enrollment procedures, highlight available advantages, and encourage more citizens to participate.
Mr. Saihi emphasized that this mechanism, established under Executive Decree No. 22-351 of October 18, 2022, addresses the expectations of numerous Algerians who lack adequate social insurance in their host nations or wish to maintain ties with the home country’s welfare architecture. Maintaining that “this framework provides them with supplementary coverage that enhances their social safety and offers increased stability and peace of mind,” he affirmed that the measure reflects a commitment to construct a more inclusive protective net benefiting all citizens, regardless of residence.
In addition to contributing to the state pension scheme, voluntary registration grants access to multiple social benefits. Enrollees will receive the Chifa electronic health card, obtain care at medical institutions across Algeria, and enjoy reimbursement for pharmaceuticals, clinical consultations, and medical tests according to current legislation.
The minister also underlined the family-oriented aspect of the scheme. Granted privileges do not sole apply to the primary policyholder, but extend to dependents as well. Spouses and children can thereby access statutory provisions, particularly regarding survivor pensions or death allowances. A measure which, according to Mr. Saihi, demonstrates “the solidarity-driven and compassionate nature of the Algerian social welfare system.”
Furthermore, the minister noted that social security and pension institutions will mobilize human, technical, and digital assets to streamline procedures for citizens established abroad. Digital portals, online tools, and diverse communication channels will be deployed to address queries and ensure efficient processing of files.
Taking the floor next, Mr. Chaib reaffirmed the joint commitment of both Foreign Affairs and Labor sectors to ensure the endeavor’s success. He assured that “diplomatic and consular missions, coordinating with relevant bodies, will assist community members throughout their registration process and ensure they receive all necessary information.”
The Minister Delegate also announced that “this outreach campaign is launched, during its initial phase, for Algerians settled across Gulf and Middle Eastern nations.” It will subsequently expand to other global regions hosting the diaspora to promote awareness of voluntary enrollment benefits and practical application procedures.
Additionally, the gathering featured several technical briefings explaining registration steps, eligibility terms for benefits, and digital services engineered by social security agencies. Participants were also able to submit inquiries and receive comprehensive explanations regarding operational guidelines of the policy.