The Government has submitted the “Re-Employment Bill” to Parliament, seeking to allow civil service employees to continue working until the age of 75.

The bill was introduced on behalf of the Government by Hanan Mohamed Rasheed, MP for Guraidhoo constituency. It seeks to extend employment opportunities for civil servants beyond the current retirement age and outlines the regulations and procedures for re-employment.

Under the proposed law, individuals between the ages of 65 and 75 who wish to remain in public service would be eligible to apply. Re-employment opportunities may also be extended to those who have previously served in public service and reached pension entitlement within seven years before the Act’s commencement.

Employment would be provided under annually renewable contracts, with employees either reassigned to their former posts or appointed to new positions. Salaries and allowances for re-employed staff would be determined by the National Pay Commission. While re-employed workers would not receive a basic pension at retirement age, they would remain eligible for other pensions provided under the Pensions Act.

Employees wishing to continue working after 65 must apply for re-employment six months before reaching that age. Those previously dismissed from service would have four months to apply once the law comes into force.

The bill excludes specific groups, including officers of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), police, judges, and those appointed under the Constitution or other laws.

The Re-Employment Bill has been forwarded to committee for review.