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More allowances by increasing retirement age: President Yameen

Fathmath Shaahunaz
13 August 2018, MVT 16:22
Fathmath Shaahunaz
13 August 2018, MVT 16:22

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Monday stated that his pledge to increase the retirement age in Maldives to 74-75 years, would result in greater allowances for the elderly demographic.

The president had made the pledge last week during an official trip to Huvadhu Atoll, where he had stated that, based on the changes to Maldivian lifestyle and health awareness, he did not believe 65 years should be the maximum retirement age in Maldives.

Speaking at Thimarafushi on Monday during his campaign trail to Thaa Atoll, Yameen proclaimed that his pledge to increase the retirement age had been misconstrued, thus leading the public to doubt whether the change would end the current allowance of MVR 5,000 granted by the state to people aged 65 and above.

Addressing the concern, Yameen said, "Allowances for the elderly would not end. And what's more, those amongst them who wish to keep working in civil service [even after the age of 65] would receive much more in addition to that MVR 5,000, with this formula that I'm proposing."

The president went on to explain that his "formula" would not obligate the elderly to work in government until the reached the new retirement age of 74-75 as well, but that rather it was an option.

"I know that there are teachers, doctors, nurses and the like who would prefer [to keep working after 65 years]," said Yameen. "And I do not believe that they would be unable to serve when they reach 65."

When the president first pledged that he would propose the parliament to increase the retirement age by another 10 years, he had also assured that the government would make arrangements for people over the age of 65 who are already retired.

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