In a bid to tackle the shortage of teachers and doctors in Samoa, Member of Parliament for Alataua Sisifo, Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuuau, has called for an increase in the retirement age.

Currently set at 55, the retirement age in Samoa applies primarily to those in paid employment, with individuals aged 65 becoming eligible for a government pension of SAT200 (NZ$117) per month, regardless of their work history.

Aliimalemanu’s proposal, made during discussions in Parliament on Tuesday, suggests raising the retirement age to 70, citing the limited workforce, particularly in crucial sectors like education and healthcare.

She highlighted the disparity, noting that judges already retire at the age of 68.

This recommendation echoes similar calls made in 2019 when Parliament approved raising the retirement age for judges to 68 years.

The move aimed to address the demand for more judges to handle cases, with concerns raised about the attractiveness of judicial roles due to low wages.

Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi supported the proposal, acknowledging the necessity of increasing the retirement age for judges.

He emphasized the need to attract more individuals to judicial positions, especially in light of the challenges posed by low remuneration.

The Standing Orders and Electoral Commission Parliamentary Committee, chaired by Auapaau Aloitafua Mulipola, took note of the concerns raised regarding the retirement age, signaling a potential shift in policy to address workforce shortages and demographic trends.

With the mean life expectancy in Samoa reported at 70 by the World Health Organisation, extending the retirement age could potentially tap into a pool of experienced professionals, mitigating the impact of shortages in critical sectors like education and healthcare.

As discussions progress, the government faces the task of balancing workforce needs with the sustainability of retirement and pension systems.