The government has started the process of raising the working age limit from 65 to 75, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said yesterday.
In his first presidential address delivered at the opening of Parliament, he said the country needed the wisdom and experience of senior citizens. Having to retire upon turning 65 with no work to do after long years of uninterrupted service was difficult for many retirees, he said.
“The government is working on making arrangements for providing jobs on an agreement basis to every person who wants to remain in service despite turning 65 years of age in order to continue serving until they are 75 years of age,” the President said.
The government will compile a special registry of senior citizens, the President said. The cabinet has also decided to establish special community centers for senior citizens in Male’ and the atolls and work is now underway, he said.
“The first such center in Male’ will open during this month,” the President said.
The government has also decided to develop aged care centers for providing treatment and compassionate care for senior citizens in three other regions across the country, he said.
