Parliament has passed the Re-Employment Bill, allowing civil service employees to continue working until the age of 75. The bill was approved with the support of 46 members after being reviewed by Parliament’s Committee on National Development and Heritage.

The legislation was introduced on behalf of the Government by the Member of Parliament for the Guraidhoo constituency, Hanan Mohamed Rasheed. Its main objective is to extend employment opportunities for civil servants beyond the current retirement age, while setting clear rules and procedures for re-employment.

Under the bill, civil servants aged between 65 and 75 will be eligible to apply for re-employment. It also allows former public servants who became entitled to a pension within seven years before the law comes into force to seek re-employment.

Re-employed staff will work under contracts renewed annually and may return to their previous roles or be assigned to new positions. Salaries and allowances will be set by the National Pay Commission. Although re-employed individuals will not receive a basic pension after reaching retirement age, they will remain eligible for other benefits under the Pensions Act.

Applicants who wish to continue working beyond the age of 65 must submit their applications six months before reaching retirement age. Those previously dismissed from public service will have four months to apply once the law takes effect.

The bill does not apply to certain groups, including members of the Maldives National Defence Force, police officers, judges, and individuals appointed under the Constitution or other specific laws.