In Malta, there is a situation that many people consider unfair and difficult to understand. Individuals who have paid all the required social security contributions - 41 years of contributions - can choose to retire at the age of 61. However, until they reach the age of 65, they are effectively prevented from taking up employment. This situation raises serious questions about social justice, human dignity, and a person's right to remain active in society.

First and foremost, it is important to remember that these individuals are not asking for any special privilege. They have worked for more than four decades, faithfully paid their contributions, and contributed to the country's economy. Therefore, when they choose to take their pension at 61, they are simply exercising a right that has been earned through many years of hard work and sacrifice.

The problem arises when these individuals are restricted from continuing to work legally and transparently. Many people who retire early do not wish to continue working full-time. Some would prefer part-time employment, while others would like to work reduced hours. Their motivation is not only to supplement their income but also to remain active, engaged, and connected to society.

Modern life comes with constantly increasing expenses. Utility bills, medication, healthcare costs, and the rising cost of living place considerable pressure on the budgets of many families. As a result, for someone aged 61 or 62, a pension alone is often insufficient to maintain an adequate level of comfort and financial security.

This is where the issue of dignity comes into play. A person who has worked throughout their life should be able to live with pride and independence. They should have the freedom to decide whether they wish to continue contributing to the workforce without feeling penalised for claiming a pension to which they are entitled. When a system creates obstacles for people who want to work honestly, it sends the wrong message.

Furthermore, such restrictions can create a dangerous temptation. When people know that working legally may result in the loss of benefits or financial disadvantages, they may begin to consider other alternatives. Among these is undeclared work, commonly referred to as "working under the table". This is not necessarily because individuals want to break the law, but because they feel that the system has left them with no practical alternative.

This creates a paradox. Instead of encouraging people to work transparently and pay their taxes, the system may unintentionally create conditions that push some individuals toward the informal economy. Ultimately, the entire country loses, as tax revenues decline and public trust in the system is weakened.

We must also consider the value of experience. A 61-year-old often possesses knowledge and skills that are not easily replaced. Many sectors face labour shortages and struggle to find experienced workers. Why, then, should we discourage these individuals from continuing to contribute? In many countries, efforts are being made to encourage older people to remain in the workforce if they wish to do so. Here, however, restrictions are being imposed that many consider unnecessary and outdated.

Of course, the principle of early retirement must be balanced with the long-term sustainability of the pension system. No one is suggesting that there should be no rules. However, those rules should be fair, reasonable, and adapted to today's realities. If a person has paid all the required contributions, why should they not be allowed to work a few hours a week without fear of losing benefits they earned through decades of employment?

The government and the relevant authorities should open a serious discussion on this issue. The debate should not focus solely on economic considerations but also on the human dimension. Social policy should be built on the principle that people should be encouraged to remain active, productive, and independent for as long as possible. Restricting those who wish to work legally does not appear to support that objective.

Ultimately, the question is simple: where is the justice? A person who started working at a young age, paid contributions for more than forty years, and chose to retire at 61 should not feel like a second-class citizen. They should be able to enjoy the rewards of their labour while retaining the freedom to continue contributing to society if they so choose.

A society that respects its older citizens is one that recognizes the value of work, experience, and human dignity. The time has come to review these restrictions and create a fairer system - one that does not push people toward undeclared work, but instead encourages them to remain active and honest. Above all, it should be a system that allows those who have worked their entire lives to spend the later years of their careers with dignity, respect, and freedom of choice.

Ivan Bartolo is a PN Member of Parliament