Flexible retirement for women under new Social Protection Law

MUSCAT: The Social Protection Law has provided flexible retirement options for women to reflect their role as contributors to economic growth and society. The new framework seeks to strike a balance between social fairness, job stability, and financial sustainability based on age, years of service, and the nature of employment.
Under the Social Protection Law, the statutory retirement age — for both men and women — is 60 years and will be raised to 65, in accordance with a defined transition schedule. This adjustment aligns with international practices aimed at extending workforce participation and strengthening the sustainability of pension systems amid rising life expectancy.
No pension reduction
One of the most notable features of the law is the provision allowing women to retire early without any reduction in pension benefits.
Women employed in regular positions may retire at the age of 55 without incurring pension deductions. For those working in hazardous or physically demanding occupations like the military, retirement is permitted at 50, provided that at least 20 years of service have been completed in such roles.
In hazardous occupations, retirement is permitted from the age of 45 under the same service conditions.
Women with disabilities may also retire at 45 after completing 15 years of service.
Mariam bint Salim al Alawi, a government employee, described these provisions as a progressive step forward. “The law gives women the flexibility to make retirement decisions based on their health and family responsibilities without compromising their financial security,” she said.
With pension reduction
The law allows women to opt for early retirement, subject to pension reductions, offering greater flexibility for those seeking to leave the workforce earlier.
Pension reductions are calculated according to clear and standardised formulas designed to ensure fairness between contribution periods and benefit levels, while maintaining the financial integrity of the pension system.
Based on long service
The law also introduces the option of retirement based solely on years of service, without imposing a minimum age requirement, provided that the insured individual has completed 30 years of actual service.
This option is particularly relevant for women who entered the workforce at an early age and accumulated extensive professional experience over several decades.
Khadija bint Hamad al Shaqsi, a former employee in the services sector, noted that this provision recognises long-term contribution. “Focusing on years of service is fair, especially for women who have dedicated more than three decades to their jobs and played a direct role in national development.”
Experts emphasise that the effectiveness of the new retirement system depends largely on awareness. Women must be fully informed about their entitlements and the financial implications of each option in order to make well-considered decisions regarding their future.
By placing individuals at the centre of policy design, the law enhances social security, financial stability, personal well-being and a dignified life after service.