Public Service Employment Age Extended to 75 as New Regulations Come Into Force

Regulations extending the employment age in the public service up to 75 years have been officially gazetted and are now in effect.

The law, implemented under the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, was passed by Parliament on 5 January 2026 and ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on 8 January. It provides a legal framework to facilitate the re-employment of state employees up to the age of 75 and outlines the eligibility criteria and procedural requirements under the re-employment policy.

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The amendment applies to individuals currently employed, or previously employed, in the public service, excluding members of the armed forces, police, judges, and persons appointed under the Constitution or other laws.

Under the law, state employees may continue in service beyond the pensionable age of 65, up to a maximum of 75. It also allows for the re-employment of individuals who retired upon reaching 65 in the seven years preceding the law’s entry into force. Applicants for re-employment must submit their request at least 13 months before their 75th birthday.

Employees seeking to continue working beyond 65 must inform their employer six months in advance, and employers are required to make a decision within two months. Re-employment will be offered on a 12-month contract, renewable annually.

The amendment is designed to enable experienced and skilled individuals to continue contributing to national development after reaching retirement age.