Digital Citizen initiative for streamlined services

President Nikos Christodoulides announced a series of policy actions aimed at improving citizens' daily lives and enhancing their overall quality of life, alongside legislative and other initiatives geared towards modernizing state structures and institutions.

The announcement came Monday evening during the presentation of the 2024 Governance Program.

Speaking at a press conference at the Presidential Palace, President Christodoulides commenced with the pillar "Enhancing Citizens' Daily Life," highlighting the "Digital Citizen" initiative. This initiative features a mobile application designed to serve as the focal point for individuals, gradually integrating the full spectrum of government digital services.

The President emphasized the initial focus on Electronic Signatures and Digital Identity, noting that by 2024, citizens will electronically sign applications for benefits and official documents, which will be transmitted electronically to relevant authorities, eliminating the need for physical presence.

Simultaneously, official documents such as driver's licenses, biometric identities, and vehicle fitness certificates will undergo digitization and will be accessible through the "Digital Citizen" application.

In 2024, the digital system "IPODAMOS" of the Department of Town Planning and Housing will expand to cover all licensing processes, significantly reducing bureaucracy.

President Christodoulides highlighted the ongoing revision of the town planning licensing system, streamlining related procedures.

Within this framework, implementation has begun for 22 specific actions, aiming for completion by June 2024, with a primary focus on expediting urban planning and building permits for small-scale residential developments, involving private sector experts.

President Christodoulides emphasized the commitment to combat bureaucracy, ensuring the prompt disbursement of all entitlements to beneficiaries.

"Following the one-month disbursement of statutory pensions, our goal for 2024 is for Social Security Fund benefits and allowances, starting with maternity benefits, to be disbursed within 30 days," he stated. Furthermore, as part of the Minimum Guaranteed Income streamlining efforts, all applications will be processed within 60 days.

In a bid to support young couples, President Christodoulides announced the immediate advancement of legislation to extend maternity leave from 18 to 22 weeks, with plans under consideration to expand parental leave.

The initiatives outlined by President Christodoulides underscore Cyprus' commitment to fostering citizen-centric governance and leveraging digital solutions to enhance administrative efficiency and public service delivery.