Pension payments will stop for retirees who return to government jobs under new rules

The Civil Service Rules were amended on Tuesday to stop the payment of retirement pensions to individuals who return to government service after retiring.

Under the amendment, a retired employee who is later elected to public office, appointed to a state position, or employed by a government‑owned company will not receive an old‑age allowance during the period of employment.

According to the revised rules, monthly pension payments will begin from the month following an employee’s retirement.

The amendment also requires retirees to inform the Maldives Pension Administration Office if they resume employment. If a pension continues to be paid due to failure to notify, the amount received during the employment period must be refunded.

In recent years, many retirees, including former police officers and soldiers, have taken up roles in various government offices. It has also been common for individuals to receive dual pensions, including payments from institutional pension schemes.

The pension and insurance systems are among the key public finance areas identified for reform to reduce government expenditure.