According to data communicated by the president of the High Authority of the Civil Service, Hatem Aïchaouia, the number of contracts authorizing retirees to carry out occasional activities in the public sector was limited to 26 during the year 2025. This clarification was given in response to a written question from MP Hlim Bousma.
The use of these contracts, explains Hatem Aïchaouia, is only authorized in exceptional cases, when the interest of the service requires it, and must be previously approved by the High Authority of the Civil Service, responsible for affixing its approval to these commitments.
Decree No. 338 of 1987 defines the legal framework for this “casual work” that retirees can perform in the public sector. These activities can be carried out part-time and give entitlement to one fifth of the corresponding salary. They concern in particular scientific research, consultations, the production of scientific, literary or artistic works, as well as professional training.
Exceptions to employment after retirement, strictly regulated
Furthermore, civil service services have received 38 draft decrees relating to the granting of exceptional authorizations to continue working in the public sector after retirement. Only 9 decrees were finally published in Official Journal.
A circular (n°19 of October 31, 2022) has also restricted the presentation of exemption proposals to certain specific bodies:
- THE university teachers,
- THE doctors and pharmacists working in priority areas,
- THE engineers,
- as well as the senior military, customs and internal security force executives.
This policy reflects the authorities’ desire to rationalize the use of retirees in the public service, while maintaining the possibility of mobilizing their skills in areas deemed sensitive or strategic.
