Lebanon Digitizes 850,000 Social Security Records Ahead of New Pension Reform

In a major stride toward modernizing Lebanon's social protection system, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and with financial support from the UK government, has successfully completed a large-scale project to digitize hundreds of thousands of social security records. This digital transformation initiative marks a crucial step toward the implementation of the new pension scheme introduced under Law 319/2023, which aims to ensure sustainable and equitable retirement protection for Lebanon's workforce.

Modernizing Social Protection in Lebanon

The project forms part of a broader program titled "Supporting Social Security and Institutional Reforms Towards a Strengthened Social Protection System in Lebanon," funded by the UK government and technically supported by the ILO. It seeks to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and long-term viability of Lebanon's social security system at a time when the country is grappling with one of its most severe economic crises.

Under the initiative, a specialized data entry firm was contracted to digitize approximately 850,000 individual records from annual nominative declarations spanning 2021 to 2024. These records, which include critical information on workers' contributions and entitlements, were later subjected to a rigorous validation and quality assurance process before being securely integrated into the NSSF's centralized database.

This effort effectively eliminates one of the largest administrative backlogs in the institution's history and sets the stage for the digital transformation of Lebanon's social protection infrastructure.

Building a Reliable and Transparent System

The digitization of social security data is not merely a technical upgrade — it is a strategic reform that supports evidence-based policymaking and institutional accountability.

By maintaining a comprehensive and accurate digital database, the NSSF can now conduct technical analyses and actuarial studies essential for the effective rollout of the new pension scheme. The initiative ensures that all contributors' entitlements and accrued benefits are accurately recorded, protecting workers' rights and improving public confidence in Lebanon's social protection system.

"The completion of this project paves the way for the actuarial studies needed to finalize the implementing decrees of the new pension system," said Dr. Mohamed Karaki, Director General of the NSSF. "Our goal is to fully launch the new pension and social protection scheme by the end of 2026. We are deeply grateful to the ILO for its technical guidance and to the UK government for its invaluable support."

ILO and UK Government Support

The ILO, which has been a long-standing partner of the NSSF, played a key role in providing technical expertise, project oversight, and capacity building. The organization also ensured that the initiative aligned with international social protection standards and Lebanon's national priorities.

"This milestone reflects the strength of our partnership with the NSSF and our shared commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive social protection system in Lebanon," said Ruba Jaradat, ILO Regional Director for Arab States. "Digitizing these records is more than a technical achievement — it is the foundation for a transparent, rights-based pension system that safeguards the dignity and security of Lebanon's workers."

ILO Deputy Regional Director Patrick Daru and his team met with Dr. Karaki and NSSF officials in Beirut on 24 October 2025, commending the institution's leadership and commitment to modernization despite challenging national circumstances.

The UK government, which funded the project, underscored its continued commitment to supporting governance and institutional reforms in Lebanon.

"The digitization of Lebanon's social security records is a vital step toward building a more transparent and inclusive system," said British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell. "We are proud to support this initiative, which enhances institutional capacity and lays a strong foundation for the new pension scheme. This partnership demonstrates our ongoing commitment to strengthening Lebanon's national systems and making them more responsive to people's needs."

A Key Reform Under Law 319/2023

The digitization project directly supports the implementation of Law 319/2023, which reforms Lebanon's Social Security Law by introducing a contributory pension scheme designed to replace the existing end-of-service indemnity system. The new framework aims to provide adequate and sustainable old-age protection for both private-sector workers and NSSF contributors.

This transition requires not only financial and actuarial planning but also reliable data management systems capable of tracking contributions, projecting liabilities, and ensuring transparency. The digital records will be instrumental in enabling policymakers to design effective benefit formulas, financing mechanisms, and investment strategies to ensure long-term pension sustainability.

Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Service Delivery

Beyond data management, the project signals a broader digital transformation vision for the NSSF. Future phases are expected to include:

• The development of online portals and mobile platforms for contributors and employers.

• Integration of electronic payment systems to streamline contributions and benefits.

• Establishment of automated verification tools to prevent fraud and ensure accurate claims processing.

• Enhanced data sharing and interoperability between the NSSF, ministries, and financial institutions.

These innovations aim to significantly improve service delivery, reduce administrative inefficiencies, and foster greater transparency and accountability in the management of social protection funds.

Towards a Stronger and More Inclusive Social Protection System

Lebanon's move to digitize social security records represents a milestone in the country's long-term efforts to reform and modernize its social protection framework. It also reflects growing recognition that social security reform is essential for economic recovery, poverty reduction, and social cohesion.

As the NSSF prepares to launch the new pension scheme, stakeholders view this digital milestone as a foundation for broader institutional reforms that could eventually include health insurance modernization, coverage expansion for informal workers, and integration with social assistance programs.

ILO Regional Director Ruba Jaradat summed up the broader significance of the achievement: "Lebanon's digital transformation of social security is not just a national milestone — it's a regional model for reform. It shows how innovation, collaboration, and commitment can turn crisis into opportunity, strengthening systems that protect the most vulnerable."

A Path Forward

Looking ahead, the NSSF and its partners will continue to build on this success through further capacity-building initiatives, policy reforms, and technological upgrades aimed at delivering more efficient, transparent, and inclusive social security services for Lebanon's citizens.

As Dr. Karaki emphasized, "The future of Lebanon's social protection system lies in digital innovation, good governance, and international collaboration. We are determined to ensure that every worker's contribution is protected, every benefit is secure, and every life is dignified."