Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, Mr. Skender Recica, through a press conference today launched public consultations on the Initial Draft of the Concept Document for Regulation and Management of the Field of Pensions and Benefits. The Minister said that within the reforms undertaken in various fields, MLSW has taken steps to fully reform the pension system, based on the difficulties and problems identified in the analyzes undertaken.
“Since the right to social protection is a fundamental right of citizens, we have guided the policies of the country with social policies. We are engaged in reforming the social protection system through the establishment of a sustainable pension and disability system, harmonizing the legal framework and institutional reorganization, “the minister said.
Mr. Reçica said that the current pension system, which is constructed on three pillars, is not genuine because it is built by creating ad-hoc retirement schemes that are created by the need of time and as such are unsustainable.
“Pension or compensation schemes are currently regulated by eight different laws that often conflict with each other and have made us difficult to implement them in general,” the minister said.
The Minister indicated that the reform undertaken in the area of pensions and benefits foresaw the drafting of a unique pension bill, which would include and treat all pension rights, as well as the establishment of a Social Insurance Fund drafted under a relevant law, in which would be defined the organizational structure, management form, contribution rate or disability pension.
“The pension system in Kosovo will be built on the basis of international standards and will consist of four pillars on the basis of which we consider that a well-consolidated system will be established, based on best European standards and practices. This is one of the biggest reforms ever undertaken by MLSW and of the Government of Kosovo, “the minister said.
The Concept Document of the Pension Reform, besides the creation of a genuine system for younger generations, also foresees the recognition of the work experience of employees who have been forced away from work during the 1990-1999 period.
Mr. Reçica called on all interested parties to present their suggestions and comments on the Concept Document for pensions and benefits starting from today (12 November) until 3 December as long as public consultations are in progress.