Universal Pensions in Mauritius: Lessons for the Rest of Us
United Nations DESA Discussion Paper No. 32
27 Pages Posted: 26 May 2003
Date Written: April 2003
Abstract
That the Government of Mauritius provides nearly every resident over the age of 60 with a non-contributory, basic pension is one of the best-kept secrets in the world. The scheme dates from 1950 and became universal in 1958, following abolition of a means test. Remarkably, introduction of a compulsory, contributory scheme for workers in the private sector appears to have strengthened the non-contributory regime without affecting its universality. This paper examines the past and future of non-contributory, universal pensions in Mauritius, and draws lessons that might be useful for other countries, especially those in the developing world.
Keywords: public pensions, social security, means test, targeting, demographic ageing, Mauritius
JEL Classification: H55
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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