Maldives Pension Administration Office (MPAO) has requested retirees to inform the office if they take up another government job.
New rules suspend pension payments for retirees during any period of re-employment in the public sector. As per amendments made to the relevant regulations on 30 December last year, if a retired employee is elected to public office or appointed to a job in a state or government-owned company, they will not be entitled to retirement pensions during their tenure. With this, the monthly pension payments will be disbursed from the month following retirement.
The revised regulations state that retired individuals who resume public service or state employment must notify the Maldives Pension Administration Office. If the retirement pension allowance is received during the period of employment without notification, the amount must be repaid to the state. Those returning to public work may inform MPAO in writing or by submitting the form dedicated for the purpose.
State agencies that receive long-term pension benefits after retirement include Maldives Police Service, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Maldives Customs Service, Maldives Immigration and Maldives Correctional Service. Previously, retirees from these agencies were permitted to continue receiving pension payments even after assuming elected positions or any other state roles. However, following public concern, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged to change the relevant regulations to cease the practice.