Maldives raises public service retirement age to 75
New law signed by President Mohamed Muizzu extends government employment beyond 65, aiming to retain experience in small island state workforce
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldivian government has approved a major change to its public sector employment rules, allowing state employees to continue working until the age of 75 — a sharp increase from the previous mandatory retirement age of 65.
President Mohamed Muizzu signed the legislation this week, delivering on a campaign promise and introducing one of the most significant labor policy shifts in the country in recent years.
In simple terms, the reform allows government workers — including civil servants, technical professionals, and administrators — to remain in public employment for up to ten additional years.
For international readers, this mirrors retirement-age extensions adopted in parts of Europe and East Asia as governments attempt to retain experienced workers amid skills shortages and rising administrative demands.
The law was approved by the country’s national legislature during a special sitting and creates a formal framework for extending public service contracts beyond retirement age. It also allows individuals who were required to retire after turning 65 in recent years to apply for re-employment, potentially bringing back experienced personnel across government institutions.
Certain sectors are excluded from the policy. Members of the armed forces and police, judges, and constitutional officeholders will continue to face mandatory retirement limits, reflecting the physical, legal, and institutional requirements of those roles.
Government officials say the reform is intended to preserve institutional memory and reduce capacity gaps in a country with a small population and a limited pool of senior professionals, particularly in areas such as climate governance, infrastructure planning, public health, and tourism regulation.
However, labor analysts warn that extending working lives at senior levels could slow career progression for younger public servants, raising concerns about long-term workforce renewal.
The law is expected to come into effect within a month, following its formal publication in the state gazette.
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