Soldiers to be allowed longer service under planned changes

President Mohamed Muizzu said on Saturday that the government plans to amend military retirement regulations to allow personnel to continue serving even if they do not receive promotions within a specified period.

The President made the announcement during a ceremony held at Kalhuthukkala Koshi to mark the 134th anniversary of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

During his address, Muizzu said some provisions within military laws and regulations require revision, particularly those relating to retirement and promotion policies.

According to the President, current regulations require personnel to retire if they remain in the same rank beyond a set timeframe.

Muizzu said he did not consider the rule fair for officers who continue serving with commitment despite not receiving promotions.

“Therefore, for those soldiers who serve with loyalty and sincerity, the current regulation that mandates retirement after a certain period in the same rank must be changed. I intend to amend this to ensure they can remain in military service,” the President said.

He also announced plans to revise retirement benefit regulations.

According to Muizzu, the current framework does not differentiate retirement allowances between personnel who complete 30 years of service and those who continue serving beyond that period.

The President stated that the regulations would be amended to ensure retirement benefits correspond to the number of years served.

Muizzu said the government intends to address further issues within the military retirement system in the future and added that such reforms should have been introduced earlier.