Tunis: With the return season for Tunisians living abroad approaching, Tunisian Customs has begun implementing a series of logistical and human resource preparations aimed at ensuring smooth crossings and speeding up procedures at border checkpoints, particularly as the period coincides with the start of the Hajj season. According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, spokesperson for the Directorate General of Customs, Colonel Chokri Jabri, in a TV interview, detailed that these preparations include reinforcing air, sea, and land border crossings with additional staff. This reinforcement is accompanied by continuous training for officers on laws, regulations, and their proper implementation, as well as providing necessary logistical equipment to handle the expected heavy pressure at border points during this period. Jabri explained that the shift toward digitising customs services has significantly reduced the time needed to complete procedures and shortened waiting times, whether for obtaining circulation perm its or inspecting goods. In this context, he highlighted the 'Rokhsati' (My Permit) and 'My Luggage' applications, which are integral to the customs digitalisation process. He added that Tunisian Customs is working toward expanding digitalisation, from electronic reports and online settlements to goods and currency declaration services, with a remote insurance service expected to be introduced soon. Jabri also announced that the new 'Diwana Sanad 2' information system will enter service by the end of 2026, featuring dedicated spaces for economic operators and travelers, paving the way for the full digitalisation of customs services. The customs spokesperson noted that the 'Rokhsati' and 'My Luggage' services were designed to be simple and user-friendly, enabling Tunisians abroad as well as foreign travelers to complete procedures remotely from their place of residence. This has helped reduce waiting times to between 5 and 15 minutes at most, especially at sea crossings, notably the Port of La Goulette. On the security front, Jabri stressed that balancing smoother crossings with combating smuggling and the misuse of privileges remains a significant challenge for customs authorities. This challenge is addressed through the vigilance and expertise of customs officers, the use of X-ray screening devices for all vehicles, and the deployment of trained canine units to detect drugs and explosives.