With the Fourth Industrial, i.e. Digital Revolution, we have a chance to make up for lagging behind and catch up with more developed countries. This technological revolution will fundamentally change our lives, it is inevitable and unstoppable. Only winning societies choose to welcome changes, they do not shy away from them. The Serbian government believes that Serbia is ready to lead the entire region in changes that will follow and creation of new possibilities for all. The digitisation process will enhance the standard and quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Serbian citizens. Efficiency will be increased, costs will be reduced and new value will be created in almost all areas of life and work. The digitisation process is the most important catalyst of innovations, competitiveness and growth.
The “Baby, Welcome to the World” project simplifies the process for parents of newborns to register their child’s birth, place of residence, health insurance, and apply for parental allowance directly from maternity wards. The application process is quick, simple and free, eliminating unnecessary paperwork. Official documents are delivered to the home address, allowing parents to spend the precious early days with their baby rather than queuing at administrative counters.
Launched in April 2016, the “Baby, Welcome to the World” information system was designed to enable parents to complete administrative tasks in just 15 minutes, entirely free of charge and electronically – tasks that previously required multiple visits to government offices and the payment of various fees.
To date, more than 160,000 babies have been registered through this system. In over 90% of cases, parents have opted to use the streamlined “one-stop” service to successfully register their child’s birth, residence and health insurance.
The new parental allowance service applies solely to allowances funded by the state budget. Local governments retain the right to introduce additional family benefits within their jurisdiction.
Since 1 January 2019, the “one-click” parental allowance service has been available in all local self-government units across Serbia.
This modern electronic service places Serbia among the select European countries that offer electronic public services at such an advanced level.