The revision of the retirement age policy for employees and wage earners in the civil service has been approved by the Cabinet.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed this in a news conference yesterday that the Cabinet has also approved the removal of contract-based appointments for all civil servants, except for those appointed for projects within a specific timeframe.
“Cabinet also agreed that the change in retirement age to 60 years (optional at 55 years) and the removal of contract-based appointments apply to all civil servants effective from 1 January 2023 below permanent secretary level,” Mr Rabuka said.
“However, Cabinet noted the many vacancies and chronic shortage of teachers, doctors and nurses.
“It was agreed that the increase in retirement age be applicable from 1 January 2022 for teachers, doctors and nurses.”
He said Cabinet also agreed that necessary amendments to the Civil Service (General) Regulations 1999 accordingly via the government gazette be published later this week.
“Consequently, the Public Service Commission will be working closely with all permanent secretaries to operationalise the amendment to the regulations on retirement age and removal of contract-based appointments for civil servants and wage-earners.
“Having said that, Cabinet also recognises that there are other civil servants who retired in 2022 and agreed that the Public Service Commission, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Finance, will consult with Government Agencies and revert with a holistic submission to Cabinet on the practicality of extending this to the rest of the public service.”
