A bill has been introduced to the People’s Majlis (Parliament) to facilitate the opportunity for individuals to work in state employment until the age of 75. The bill was presented to the Majlis on behalf of the government by the Member for Guraidhoo Constituency, Hanaan Mohamed Rasheed. The “Re-employment Bill,” as it is named, has been sent to the Majlis by the government to establish criteria and principles for providing opportunities for those currently employed in state positions to continue working until the age of 75, and to set guidelines for re-employment. The bill also outlines the procedures to be followed in re-employment.
According to the bill, re-employment will be offered to individuals between 65 and 75 years of age who are currently working in state jobs and wish to continue their employment. Additionally, those who have previously held state positions and reached pension-eligible age within 7 years prior to the enactment of this law may also be considered for re-employment. Re-employment must be arranged under an agreement that is renewed annually. Under this system, an employee may be reinstated to their previous position or a similar one. The bill states that salaries and benefits for those re-employed will be determined according to standards set by the National Pay Commission. Individuals re-employed under this system will not receive the basic pension typically given at age 65. However, they will continue to receive other pension funds as stipulated by the Pension Act.
The bill specifies that employees wishing to continue working after turning 65 must apply for re-employment exactly one month before their 65th birthday. For those who have previously left their positions, they must apply for re-employment within 4 months of the law coming into effect. Even if this bill becomes law, it will not apply to military personnel, police officers, judges, and those appointed to positions under the Constitution or other laws.
