Speaking to Tunisie Numérique, Secretary General of the Individual Taxi Union Fouzi Al-Khaboushi confirmed that they have contacted four ministries in reaction to several problems impacting the sector. Despite 80% of individual taxi drivers operating under difficult conditions while providing essential services to the country, this profession is not officially classified as a difficult one.
Khaboushi clarified that the Union has reached the Ministry of Social Affairs due to the majority of sector members suffering from illnesses, along with the accumulation of debts for some. Nevertheless, there has been no reply from the Ministry of Social Affairs after the Union’s correspondence requesting debt rescheduling and a working session to address the crisis.
In the same context, our speaker noted that the Ministry of Finance is pressuring individual taxi drivers, particularly those with grey cards, following the extraction of petroleum gas information. During inspections by guards or police units, drivers are notified of vehicle modifications, leading to a written report titled “modifications” with a fine of up to 100 dinars. Alternatively, the report may show unpaid tour information, resulting in a financial penalty of up to 500 dinars.
Concerning the Ministry of Interior, Khaboushi emphasised the issue of professional parties confronting blackmail when moving from one state to another. Even when accompanied by family, they are requested to pay a return tax, despite the individual taxi being exempt from such taxes.
The Secretary General of the Individual Taxi Union furthermore mentioned contacting the Ministry of Transport concerning the intrusion of non-professionals, particularly motorcycle owners, who can now freely move around the capital without supervision in front of security units. This alarming phenomenon pressed the Union to reach out to the House of Representatives, urging them to interfere and enforce existing laws.
Khaboushi cautioned that if there is no response and engagement with these correspondences, there will be a demonstration movement by members of the profession in front of the House of People’s Representatives.
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