NEWS
Morocco modernises consular services using centralised electronic registry
In a move aimed at enhancing services for Moroccans residing abroad , the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , African Cooperation , and Moroccan Expatriates has introduced a new procedure for proximity consular services . This initiative , launched under the directive of HM King Mohammed VI , is designed to modernise and bring consular services closer to the expectations of users .
The new procedure , applicable at all diplomatic missions and consular posts , regardless of the specific post tied to their places and countries of residence , is a response to the evolving needs of the Moroccan diaspora . It seeks to provide modern and interactive consular services , aligning with HM the King ’ s commitment to serving Moroccans abroad .
Key to the implementation of this procedure was the establishment of a centralised electronic registry of consular registrations on October 23 , 2023 . This registry features unique identifiers unaffected by changes in the attachment post . Simultaneously , new developments in computer systems for consular services were introduced , covering all aspects of the reform .
The centralised electronic registry empowers Moroccans abroad to request appointments for various consular services , including passports , national identity cards , notarial acts , legalisation , and certificates . Applicants have the flexibility to present themselves at any consular network post of the Kingdom to receive their services .
To ensure the effectiveness of the new procedure , a test phase for the issuance of proximity consular services was initiated on November 13 , 2023 , at consular posts in France . Following a successful trial , implementation expanded to Consulates General in Spain from November 20 , 2023 .
After a thorough evaluation of the test phase at pilot posts in Spain and France , it was decided to roll out this solution across all Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts of the Kingdom , providing a standardised and improved experience for Moroccans abroad .
UNICEF Sierra Leone donates 100 + laptops and 20 + projectors to the Ministry of Communications
UNICEF Sierra Leone handed over
113 laptops and 23 projectors to the Ministry of Communications , Technology , and Innovation for young people in 39 schools across the country as part of the Giga project .
Giga is a UNICEF-International Telecommunications Union , ITU initiative to connect every school to the Internet and every young person to information , opportunity , and choice .
“ This strategic move is expected to empower students to emerge as leaders and driving forces of development across the nation in line with national priorities that reflect a collective commitment to advancing education , technology , and youth empowerment ,” said Ms Salima Bah , Minister of Communications , Technology and Innovation as she received the items .
“ These will foster innovation , facilitate employment opportunities , and constructing a robust digital economy for youths in the country .”
Currently , less than 1 % of schools in Sierra Leone are connected to the Internet and only three out of ten people have access to the Internet .
“ We need to bridge the digital divide by increasing access to technology and empowering young people with the skills they
need to navigate and benefit from opportunities in this digital era ,” said Rudolf Schwenk , UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone .
“ With limited access to technology and the internet , thousands of children and young people lack the digital skills they need for their future .”
A 2021 global report by the Economist Intelligence Unit found that a 10 % increase in school connectivity can increase effective years of schooling by 0.6 % and increase GDP per capita by 1.1 %.
The initiative will contribute to the transformative potential of empowering young people with technology to bridge the digital divide by setting up tech-enabled learning hubs , connecting schools to the internet , and supplying essential equipment so that young people could be equipped with modern digital skills .
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