President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Re-Employment Bill, delivering on a key presidential pledge to extend the employment age in the public service to 75 years.

The Bill was passed by the Parliament during its first extraordinary sitting of the year, convened on 5 January 2026.

The new law establishes a formal legal framework to facilitate the re-employment of State employees up to the age of 75, setting out eligibility criteria and procedural requirements under the re-employment policy.

The legislation applies to individuals who are currently employed, or were previously employed, in the public service. It excludes members of the armed forces, police, judges, and individuals appointed under the Constitution or other laws.

Under the Bill, public servants aged between 65 and 75 who wish to continue working will be eligible to apply for re-employment. The provisions also allow former public servants who became entitled to a pension within seven years prior to the Act’s commencement to apply.

Re-employed staff will be engaged on contracts renewable on an annual basis. They may return to their previous positions or be appointed to new roles, depending on institutional requirements. Salaries and allowances will be determined by the National Pay Commission. While re-employed staff will not receive a basic pension upon reaching retirement age, they will remain eligible for other benefits provided under the Pensions Act.

The Bill further stipulates that employees seeking to continue in service beyond the age of 65 must submit their re-employment applications at least six months prior to reaching retirement age. Individuals who were previously dismissed from public service will be granted a four-month window to apply following the law’s entry into force.

The Re-Employment Act will come into effect within 30 days of its ratification and publication in the Government Gazette.