The Armenian government has proposed revising the approach to terminating employment based on age, taking into account changes in the labor market and demographic trends.
Amendments have been introduced to the Law “On Civil Service” and related legislation, addressing provisions that set age limits for employment.
Currently, several Armenian laws stipulate that individuals are dismissed upon reaching the age of 65.
Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Lusine Kocharyan, presenting the legislative package at a parliamentary committee meeting, noted that improvements in health and life expectancy mean that 65 should no longer be considered a limit for the right to work, according to the National Assembly press service.
She added that demographic factors were also taken into account. Like many countries, Armenia has an aging population, with the number of people aged 65 and over exceeding those under 15. This has led to a shrinking workforce and challenges in the labor market.
According to the deputy minister, experienced professionals who remain effective should not be dismissed solely due to age. At the same time, a maximum age threshold will remain in place for positions in law enforcement and security structures due to the nature of those roles.
The government has also proposed an additional amendment allowing public, municipal, and civil servants, as well as executives of state organizations, to become foster parents and receive compensation for childcare and upbringing.
The law will enter into force three months after its official publication.
Chair of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Labor and Social Affairs Heriknaz Tigranyan clarified that the new regulations will also apply to employees who had already reached the maximum age limit before the law takes effect and whose service had been extended for up to one year. She emphasized the importance of broad public awareness of the changes.
The parliamentary committee gave a positive opinion on the draft law at first reading and recommended including it in the agenda of upcoming parliamentary sessions under a 24-hour procedure.
