The Digital Transformation of Government Services in Jordan

The digital transformation of government services in Jordan has made significant progress, with 960 services being digitalized and automated, reaching a completion rate of 40 percent. This information was shared Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh during the “A Year of Modernization” forum, emphasizing the government’s efforts to streamline and modernize public services.

One of the notable achievements in this digital transformation is the updated version of the government application “Sanad,” which currently offers 500 services and has half a million activated digital identity profiles. This application enables citizens to conveniently access government services from their smartphones or computers, reducing the need for physical visits to government offices.

To further enhance accessibility, two comprehensive government service centers have been established in Amman and at Queen Alia International Airport. Plans are underway to establish five more centers in Irbid, Jerash, Aqaba, Tafileh, and Maan the end of this year, with the remaining governorates to be covered next year. These centers aim to provide convenient and efficient services to citizens across the country.

The digitalization of government services not only improves convenience for citizens but also has significant economic implications. By reducing unnecessary paperwork and streamlining processes, the digital transformation will lead to the obsolescence of certain jobs in the public sector in the long term. However, this also means lower operational costs and more financial resources for the government to invest in productive sectors, stimulating economic growth and creating essential jobs.

Economic experts, such as Fahmi Katout, emphasize the positive impact of digitalization on both citizens and the economy. In addition to saving time and money for citizens, digital services also contribute to mitigating traffic congestion allowing people to accomplish tasks remotely. Furthermore, the digitalization of government services promotes transparency, collaboration, and accuracy creating shared databases and utilizing comprehensive software solutions.

Jordanian businesswoman Reham Al Zughier highlights the practical benefits of digital government services, such as avoiding long queues and eliminating the need to take time off work for simple tasks that can now be done remotely. Overall, the ongoing digital transformation of government services in Jordan holds numerous advantages for citizens, the economy, and overall administrative efficiency.

Sources:
– Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh during the “A Year of Modernization” forum
– The Jordan Times interview with economic expert Fahmi Katout
– The Jordan Times interview with economist and former minister of transport Khalid Saif
– The Jordan Times interview with Jordanian businesswoman Reham Al Zughier