With the announcement of the amendment of the retirement law in Algeria for 2025, the country is preparing to introduce radical changes aimed at improving the conditions of retirees and ensuring justice among all categories, which contributes to enhancing economic and social stability. These amendments include major changes related to the retirement age, the mechanism for calculating pensions, and increasing the financial benefits for retirees, as part of the government's focus on achieving balance, ensuring fair distribution of resources, and improving the quality of life.
The new amendments include amending the rules related to the retirement age, where it was decided to set the retirement age for men at 60 years and for women at 55 years, which reflects consideration of social and professional differences. Additionally, it was decided to allow people with special needs to retire at the age of 50 years, while workers in arduous professions will be able to retire at the age of 57 years. This adjustment aims to alleviate burdens and improve the quality of life for these groups.
In a bid to facilitate the process for retirees, the Algerian Ministry of Finance has launched an official electronic platform that provides advanced electronic services to streamline routine procedures. Beneficiaries can access the official website and register their entry using personal data, such as their phone number and basic information, to reach the "Retiree Pensions" section. This method allows retirees to view the details of their financial benefits easily and transparently, which contributes to reducing pressure on government departments and speeding up transactions.
As part of the comprehensive reform plan, the government has also approved a planned increase in pensions allocated to retirees for the year 2025, commensurate with various social strata. The relative increases will be provided based on the income of retirees. Those whose income is less than 20,000 dinars will receive a 5% increase, while those with incomes ranging between 20,000 and 50,000 dinars will receive a 4% increase. Retirees whose income exceeds 50,000 dinars will receive a 3% increase. This policy reflects the government's commitment to support vulnerable groups and enhance their purchasing power to face increasing financial burdens.
In a recent session of the National People's Assembly, Minister Bouzered emphasized the government's strategic view of the financial sector, which aims to allow citizens to fulfill their tax obligations remotely. He noted that the digitization of tax services is expected to be completed within a year and a half to two years. Bouzered addressed concerns regarding the establishment of local tax centers in Jijel province, describing the lack of these offices as a "circumstantial problem." He assured that the government is prepared to explore the possibility of creating new centers to alleviate pressure on citizens, as well as the potential to link local and provincial centers to expedite processing.
Moreover, the Minister of Finance highlighted the state's special attention to retirees by reducing the income tax rate for those earning less than 42,000 dinars. Retirees receiving less than 30,000 dinars are completely exempt from income tax, similar to other beneficiaries below this threshold. However, Bouzered clarified that there are no plans to exempt all retirees from income tax entirely, as such a measure would be unreasonable and could disrupt the state's financial balance.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the financial situation of retirees, the government is also taking steps to monitor economic and social developments, ensuring that measures are in place to support purchasing power and stabilize prices. These initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on the financial status of retirees.
In response to inquiries about road improvement projects in Naama province, Bouzered expressed readiness to address issues related to high-accident areas, particularly those that do not require significant financial outlays. He revealed that the Ministry of Finance has recently established a joint task force with the Ministry of Public Works to address such concerns.
These comprehensive reforms in the retirement law and financial policies signal a significant shift in Algeria's approach to social welfare, particularly for its retirees. The government's efforts to enhance the quality of life for this demographic reflect a broader commitment to social justice and economic stability. As these changes unfold, it will be crucial for retirees and citizens alike to stay informed about their rights and benefits under the new system.
