In Azerbaijan, one of the reasons that makes necessary the changes to the Law on Labor Pensions is the appeals of citizens of the country received by the State Social Protection Fund (SSPF) of Azerbaijan. "In the appeals received from separate agencies, the citizens express a desire to continue their labor activities and ask to raise the age limit prescribed for retirement," Elman Babayev, head of public relations sector of State Social Protection Fund said.

The draft law on making amendments and additions to the Law on Labor Pensions, received by the Parliament on the basis of the legislative initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, changes the terms of appointment of retirement pensions.

According to the amendment, the age limit for men will rise by six months each year from 1 January 2010 to 1 January 2012, women - from 1 January 2010 to 1 January 2016, thus, being determined at around 63 and 60 years respectively. The project will be discussed at the plenary session of the Parliament next week.

According to Babayev, majority of the appeals received by the State Social Protection Fund are made by women. "They are clearly against that the age limit for retirement for women is 57 years, and asked to increase this limit. In particular, the numerous appeals to the State Social Protection contain a requirement to raise the age limit for female teachers," he said

According to him, the changes will be made on the basis of fair social principles, and international practice was taken into account in preparing the draft law. In most countries the age limit for retirement is over 60 years, he said. "For example, the age limit for women and men in Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Greece and other countries is 65 years. In Germany and Norway the age limit for women and men is 67 years old," said Babayev.