Benguela: The Provincial Social Security Service (INSS) has announced a new initiative to register 6,432 market vendors and self-employed individuals engaged in remunerated activities in Benguela by December this year, as revealed by the director on Thursday.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the initiative was disclosed by Bartolomeu Bernardo during the launch of the registration campaign at the 4 de Abril market. The campaign is set to last for an initial period of eight months, with the possibility of extension. The plan involves registering approximately 800 individuals monthly, requiring only an Identity Card and proof of business activity.

Bernardo explained that registration with social security requires the subsequent payment of contributions, emphasizing that registrants must have the capacity to generate income to cover their monthly contributory expenses. He highlighted the campaign's aim to expand coverage and increase the number of individuals protected by the INSS.

Currently, about 26% or 51,455 workers in the province are covered by the INSS. "We intend to increase the number of insured individuals to 100%," Bernardo added. The campaign will initially target municipalities in Benguela, Navegantes, Lobito, and Ganda, where INSS services are available.

For other municipalities, the registration process will commence in June, considering their specific characteristics and the current lack of services. To facilitate the registration process, the INSS has deployed 20 specialist technicians to ensure comprehensive coverage of the campaign. The launch event took place at the 4th of April market in the municipality of Navegantes.