Parliament Unanimously Approves Civil Status Reform Bill

Morocco’s House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation Monday modernizing civil status administration procedures,marking a significant step toward streamlining bureaucratic processes for citizens seeking name changes and other civil registry services.

The chamber approved Bill No. 16.25,which amends Law No. 36.21 governing civil status records. The unanimous vote in both the Interior Committee and plenary session reflects broad parliamentary consensus on the reform’s importance for improving citizen services.

Government spokesman and Minister Delegate for Parliamentary Relations Mustapha Baitas emphasized that the legislation aims to bring administration closer to citizens while enhancing service quality and accelerating processing times for requests submitted to the High Commission for Civil Status.

Under the amended Article 35 of Law 36.21,the High Commission comprises three members: the Kingdom’s historiographer serving as president,a judge designated by the Supreme Judicial Council,and a representative from the Interior Ministry. Experience has demonstrated the urgent need to simplify family name change procedures and associated administrative formalities,according to Baitas.

The reform introduces practical improvements addressing operational challenges identified through years of implementation. Most significantly,it establishes mechanisms ensuring commission continuity by allowing presidential replacement during absences,preventing administrative bottlenecks that previously delayed case processing.

“The new modalities will improve service quality provided to citizens,strengthen trust between administration and users,and align this vital sector with Moroccan society’s evolution,” Baitas explained. The minister stressed that expediting request processing while maintaining commission session continuity represents the legislation’s core objective.

The reform reflects broader government efforts to modernize public administration and reduce bureaucratic hurdles facing citizens in routine interactions with state institutions. By addressing practical operational constraints,the legislation seeks to enhance administrative efficiency while preserving procedural integrity in civil status matters.

Parliamentary unanimity signals political consensus on administrative modernization priorities,particularly reforms directly impacting citizen services and quality of life. The civil status system touches millions of Moroccans throughout their lives,making efficient,accessible procedures essential for public trust in government institutions.