The Government Communication Forum convened on Tuesday with Minister of State for Public Sector Modernisation Kheirallah Abu Seileek to review recent accomplishments in administrative reform and outline upcoming priorities.
The session, also attended by Secretary-General of the Ministry of Government Communication Zaid Nawaisah, focused on the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency, accountability and service quality across the public sector, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.
Abu Seileek stressed that administrative reform is a central pillar supporting the broader political and economic modernisation paths adopted by Jordan at the outset of its second centennial. These reform tracks are part of a long-term national strategy spanning a decade and are intended to transcend changes in government, he added.
He noted that His Majesty King Abdullah’s directive to accelerate public sector modernisation has catalysed a comprehensive transformation in public administration. “This shift is being implemented through the Public Sector Modernisation Roadmap and its first Executive Programme (2023–2025), which is currently under review to inform the second phase (2026–2029).”
One of the key transformations, according to the minister, is a cultural shift in public service, from a “wait for a job” mentality to a mindset focused on self-development and performance. Promotions are now tied to merit and measurable performance indicators.
He also highlighted significant changes in the Human Resources Management System, which now bases salaries and allowances on objective evaluations and the actual contribution of each role to institutional performance, addressing long-standing disparities in compensation.
In the area of policymaking, Abu Sa’ileik said that legislation is no longer shaped by individual interpretation but informed by impact assessments. He pointed to the establishment of the Good Regulatory Practices Unit at the Prime Ministry, which would begin operations in early September, as a key development in this regard.
He also outlined the focus areas of the upcoming Executive Programme, including stronger human resources governance, enhanced spending efficiency, improved monitoring of reform impact, and continued digital transformation.
He reported that 70 per cent of initiatives under the first Executive Program have been completed, adding that these cover a wide array of areas, such as legislative reform, governance, human resources, service delivery, institutional culture, organisational restructuring, and policy development.
On the digital front, over 1.8 million citizens have activated their digital identity through the Sanad app. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship continues working towards the full activation of digital IDs. Currently, 80 per cent of government services have been digitised.
“The Civil Status Department has also begun issuing vital records electronically since early May, while retaining paper-based options. Evening licensing services are now available outside regular working hours to better serve citizens.”
The minister also announced the establishment of nine government service centres across the Kingdom, with six more expected by year-end. The third phase of the “mystery shopper” programme, featuring 1,800 field visits, is set to launch soon, following the completion of the first two phases.
“Further capacity-building efforts include the launch of a Professional Diploma Programme by the Institute of Public Administration next month. To date, 329 public servants have been trained in policy development.”
Additionally, 37 services at the Department of Lands and Survey have been digitised, and electronic payment systems have been rolled out in major public hospitals, including Al Bashir and Princess Basma hospitals.