FNPF re-entry rules updated: entitlement age stays at 55, but members can rejoin twice with a higher re-entry age cap of 59
The Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) is introducing changes to its membership rules, but keep the retirement entitlement age at 55. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad said the entitlement age remains 55, countering reports that an amendment had raised the access age for retirement funds.
The reforms center on re-entry provisions. The Regulations now allow FNPF members who have withdrawn to re-join the fund twice, up from a previous limit of once. The age limit to re-join has been raised from 54 years or younger to 59 years or younger. Those older than 59 may still join if they are employed by a registered employer.
“The withdrawal of full funds at retirement age of 55 remains in law,” Prof Prasad said. The changes will take effect on September 1. After that date, any person can become an FNPF member from ages six to 59; those older than 59 can join if they are employed by a registered employer.
In Parliament this July, Prof Prasad indicated the proposed changes would revise FNPF membership rules, enabling individuals who have withdrawn at 55, those who have migrated and returned, and members who withdrew on medical grounds to rejoin the fund twice.
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Context and what it means for members
– Entitlement age remains 55, with continued full or partial withdrawal and pension options at retirement.
– Re-entry capacity increases to two withdrawals with eligibility to rejoin up to age 59; over-59 re-entry is possible only if employed by a registered employer.
– The change broadens flexibility for those who have withdrawn, migrated, or faced medical withdrawals, potentially helping some members rebuild retirement savings.
What to know going forward
– The amendments reflect efforts to align savings policies with a changing labor market and to improve retirement security for Fijians.
– These reforms come alongside broader discussions about saving behavior and member balances, including reports that a sizable portion of members hold relatively low balances on the eve of retirement.
Summary and outlook
The FNPF is emphasizing flexibility in re-entry while preserving the core retirement entitlement at 55. The September 1 effective date marks a notable shift for members who have previously withdrawn and for those who may re-enter later in their careers. This move is framed as part of ongoing reforms to strengthen long-term retirement savings in Fiji and to respond to member experiences and needs.
Additional note
If you’d like, I can add a brief explainer on how the new two-time re-entry could affect long-term retirement planning for members near the current thresholds, or provide a quick comparison to similar reforms in other pension funds for readers seeking broader context.
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