National Council of Older Persons (NCOP) member Mohammed Hassan Khan says Fiji’s senior citizens are facing growing hardship and urgently need stronger social and economic protection.
Khan said pensions are a vital safety net and must be increased to match the rising cost of living.
He said older citizens living on modest pensions, family assistance allowances or depleted savings are struggling as prices continue to rise.
“It is evident that the older citizens of Fiji are finding it difficult to cope with the increasing costs of living,” he said.
“For many with no fixed income, hardships have increased.”
He pointed to fuel price hikes, rising food and transport costs, the lingering impacts of the global financial crisis and the devaluation of the Fiji dollar as factors worsening the situation.
According to Khan, inflation has eroded purchasing power to the point where “a 20 per cent increase in pensions and allowances would be needed for even the smallest impact.”
Khan also criticised the 2012 reduction in FNPF pensions, saying pensioners had already contributed for decades and deserved security in retirement.
“FNPF members on pensions have rightfully earned what they are getting,” he said.
“Their funds were used for investments and loans—what did the members get in return?”
He said pensions offer dignity, independence and stability, and reduce poverty and dependence within families. “Pensions have enabled older people to live independently and with dignity… They are a powerful tool in poverty reduction,” he said.
Khan called for several measures, including free medical services, tax concessions for families caring for elderly relatives, a minimum $200 monthly allowance for those with no income, subsidised transport and the removal of taxes on retirement savings.
He said Fiji must act now.
“Pensions must be regarded as a right,” he said.
“There is a firm case for an increase to ensure income security and uphold the dignity of our older persons.”
