Introduction
Morocco took a major step towards modernizing its administration with the implementation of Law 55.19 on simplifying administrative procedures. This law aims to reduce the bureaucratic burdens that weighed on citizens and businesses. Among the most significant changes is the abolition of the legalization of signatures and certified copies. This reform represents a turning point towards a more digital and accessible administration.
Objectives of Law 55.19
The law aims to address several key challenges:
- Reducing unnecessary formalities: The administration can no longer require documents that are not necessary or mentioned in legislative texts.
- Standardizing procedures: With the National Administration Portal (PNA), all administrative procedures will be cataloged, allowing citizens to access information transparently.
- Improving access to public services: Digitalization will simplify interactions with the administration, notably by allowing requests to be submitted online.
The Abolition of Administrative Legalizations
End of Signature Legalizations and Certified Copies
With the implementation of this law, the legalization of signatures and certification of copies are no longer required for most administrative documents. These previously burdensome and time-consuming steps have been replaced by more modern systems, such as sworn declarations or electronic signatures.
The PNA Platform: A Pillar of the Reform
The National Administration Portal (PNA) is at the heart of this reform. This unified platform allows citizens to consult administrative procedures and submit files online. It also ensures that the administration cannot request additional documents that are not listed on the site, thus enhancing transparency and trust between the administration and users.
Impacts on Citizens and Businesses
For Citizens
Moroccan citizens will benefit from a significant reduction in administrative procedures. They will no longer need to spend hours obtaining legalized signatures or certified copies. Furthermore, the ability to track the status of their requests online via the PNA greatly improves the efficiency of public services.
For Businesses
Moroccan businesses will also benefit from simplified procedures. Reducing administrative formalities, particularly in commercial transactions or license applications, will save both time and money. The digitalization of processes also facilitates document management remotely, a key asset in modernizing the private sector.
Clear Rules for the Administration
Law 55.19 introduces strict measures to ensure that administrations comply with these new rules:
- Obligation to issue a receipt: After submitting a request, the administration is required to provide a receipt confirming the submission of the request.
- Silence implies approval: If an administration does not respond within the specified timeframe to a request, the silence is considered approval, facilitating the completion of procedures.
- Complaints and appeals: In case of non-compliance with these new rules, citizens can file a complaint through the Chikaya.ma platform, an online grievance portal.
Training and Awareness for Public Officials
To ensure the success of this reform, a national training program for civil servants has been launched. This program aims to raise awareness and train public agents on the new rules and the digitalization of services. Training officials in local communities is particularly important, as they often interact directly with citizens for essential services.
Conclusion
The abolition of administrative legalizations and the simplification of procedures represent a profound change for Moroccan administration. This reform meets the needs of citizens and businesses by simplifying processes, improving transparency, and modernizing interactions with public services. Through digitalization, Morocco is positioning itself as a country ready to meet the challenges of 21st-century governance.
FAQs:
- What is the National Administration Portal (PNA)?
The PNA is an online platform that allows citizens and businesses to access administrative procedures and submit their files online. - Which procedures no longer require legalization?
The legalization of signatures and certified copies has been abolished for most administrative documents. - How does the law simplify administrative procedures?
Through digitalization and the requirement for the administration to comply with documents listed on the PNA, citizens can now track their requests online and avoid unnecessary formalities. - What can citizens do if the administration does not follow these new rules?
If the new procedures are not respected, citizens can file a complaint through the Chikaya.ma platform. - How does this law impact businesses?
The law simplifies administrative procedures, thus reducing costs and delays for businesses.
Source: Médias24 – Simplification des procédures : Ce qui changera pour les Marocains dès fin mars