Abkhazia plans pension reform, new law to take work history into account
The government of Abkhazia has drafted a pension reform bill aimed at streamlining pension legislation, taking employment history into account when calculating pension payments and introducing specific support measures for socially vulnerable groups.
The draft pension law was prepared by the Ministry of Social Welfare and Demographic Policy. According to Minister Kama Adzynba, the bill aims to streamline regulations governing employment-related, insurance-based and funded pensions, as well as payments for special services to the country.
One of the key principles of the proposed reform is to take individuals’ employment history into account when determining pension payments. Currently, pensions in Abkhazia stand at 6,000 roubles [approximately $70], a standard amount paid to everyone, regardless of whether they have worked for many years or have never been formally employed.
Pensioners who hold dual Abkhaz-Russian citizenship and also receive a Russian pension have their Abkhaz pension reduced to a largely symbolic 500 roubles [around $6].
The new system is intended to address this “injustice”. It also provides for survivor’s pensions and other social benefits, which are expected to exceed the basic social pension.
The bill also introduces special pensions for distinguished service to the country. Recipients of state orders and veterans of the 1992-93 Georgian-Abkhaz war are among those proposed for inclusion in this category.
The draft law will be submitted to parliament for consideration.
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