Algiers – Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Security, Abdelhak Saihi, revealed significant figures regarding the government’s financial commitment to supporting wages in Algeria. In a statement made to Algerian television, Minister Saihi emphasized President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s social welfare since 2020, despite global economic challenges.
Saihi highlighted that the government’s social policy included tax exemptions on wages starting in early 2020, followed by successive wage increases in 2022, 2023, and 2024. These measures reflect the state’s dedication to improving the living standards of its citizens.
The Minister disclosed that the total increase in wages amounted to 900 billion Algerian dinars, benefiting nearly all public sector employees. This substantial financial injection aims to bolster purchasing power and mitigate the impact of economic pressures on households.
Turning to the unemployment benefit program, Saihi emphasized its crucial role in providing social protection to job seekers. He asserted that this initiative represents a tangible step towards supporting young people and assisting their integration into the labor market. The Minister affirmed that President Tebboune’s commitments in this area have been fully realized, both through enhancing purchasing power and expanding the scope of social protection.
Saihi further underscored President Tebboune’s ongoing focus on promoting investment and boosting production, recognizing them as fundamental pillars for achieving economic development that ensures citizen well-being and strengthens social stability.
The Minister also noted the recent placement of 104,000 job seekers, including 4,714 graduates of vocational training programs. He highlighted the digitalization of the registration process with the National Employment Agency, including applications for unemployment benefits, with a processing time of no more than 28 days.
Saihi explained that digitalization has facilitated coordination between various structures, including social security. He added that efforts are being made to ensure that job seekers benefit from skills training in coordination with the Ministry of Vocational Training, particularly as the country’s economic activity is creating more employment opportunities. The number of unemployment benefit applications has significantly decreased, not exceeding 266,000.
